Friargate Bridge

By Mandy Coons | Category: Centre News

Published on Tuesday 16th July 2013 at 06:18

The New Zealand Community Association has set themselves a new challenge. We know from talking to local residents that many of you have a great fondness for the Friargate Bridge and are concerned about the state it is in. We have resolved to do something about this and would like to form a committee to approach the council and see what their plans are, and then work out how we can get this bridge back to its former glory. I was approached by Radio Derby to do a short interview about this on Monday 15th July, and have had some very positvie responses.

Friargate Bridge was built in 1878 by Andrew Handyside. At that time there was a great outrage from the local residents who lived on Friargate, as it was a very affluent area and they did not want a railway bridge spoiling their neighbourhood and so a compromise was made, that the bridge would be very decorative and ornate. It was the first bridge of its kind. The comedy duo Flanagan and Allen were performing at the Hippodrome in Derby in 1927 when Flanagan was inspired by Friargate Bridge to write what became their signature tune 'Underneath the Arches'.

This bridge has become iconic in Derby and we feel it should be looked after and saved for future generations to admire. If you are interested in helping us with this project please get in touch. We will be setting up a meeting to form a committee to decide the way forward.