The City Bridge is said to have first been built by St Swithun, the 9th century bishop and patron saint of Winchester.
The current structure, built in 1813, is thought to occupy the same site. Across the road is the National Trust’s Winchester City Mill. The mill was built in 1744. There has been a mill on this site since the 10th century. The area beyond the bridge is known as ‘The Soke’. In the Middle Ages the bishop had jurisdiction over this area and many citizens moved here to avoid the City’s higher taxes.
The Mill is also the Gateway to the South Down’s National Park.
