As trade routes became established during Norman rule, upkeep of the Bridges over rivers became vital to keep traffic moving. During the 12 th Century, the upkeep and repair was often under private patronage. Rochester Bridge, originally a wooden structure was rebuilt in stone under Richard II and the upkeep of the piers was shared between the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Rochester and some local manors.
London Bridge was begun by Peter Colechurch, a priest, in 1176, who as with Rochester, replaced the constantly collapsing wooden bridge with stone and raised funds by approaching the King and London citizens and merchants promising a permanent structure and improved traffic. In 1201 King John brought in Isembert, a French Stone mason and builder of Bridges at La Rochelles a nd Saintes to replace Colechurch. The defensive Towers on London Bridge were completed in 1209 and the span was covered with a chapel, houses and shops. Rents from the businesses and tolls charged to vehicles passengers and animals went towards the maintenance. There was a moveable drawbridge which could be opened, for a fee to allow tall ships into the heart of the City. Fines, tolls and fees went towards the fabric of the building for over 100 years. One of the towers near the drawbridge was use to display the decapitated heads of traitors but when the tower was rebuilt in the 16th Century and named Nonsuch House it became too posh for such gruesome relics and the custom ceased. Rich businessmen and merchants sometimes built and endowed bridges. Sir Hugh Clopton built one at Stratford on Avon in the 15th Century which stands today. Queen Matilda built Bow Bridge and allowed the Abbess of Barking to collect tolls. Guilds also paid for repairs, especially in their own towns which kept the trade rolling in.
To protect people crossing water, chapels and shrines were often built on or near the bridge and alms were collected. Such places of worship can still be seen at Wakefield, Rotherham and Bradford upon Avon. Hermits appear to be charged with the task of collecting, including William Phillipe, a hermit living in Highgate who levied tolls in Highgate and Smithfield and Benezet who built the bridge at Avignon and begged to keep it in good repair. Dominic, a Spanish hermit Saint built his hermitage on the pilgrim route to Compostella and built a bridge in Najera with an oratory to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Decay of the bridges and causeways at Stratford and Bow led to higher prices and food shortages in London in the 14th Century and repairs were vital to the economy and funds levied on merchants and shopkeepers to pay. In Europe the construction of a bridge over the Schollenen gorge opened up a route over the Alps for the first time. In disturbed area, bridges were often fortified with towers, guard houses, gates, drawbridges and walls. Tolls and charges for crossing were common and often collected by the church.
If no bridge was to be found over a river due to its width or lack of funds, the alternative would be boatmen who could be found either side ready to transport passengers and goods. These trips were hazardous and often ended in a dunking or worse and large loads could often not be accommodated. Boatmen could make a good and bad living from the river. Fords and causeways, often dating back to Roman times, were also used but these meant wet feet! Bridges therefore were a vital link for traders, pilgrims and travellers. We can still see some of them today in everyday use and the charging of tolls continues in the UK and Europe.