Tongland Loch, Queen Mary's Bridge
Road Bridge (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Tongland Loch, Queen Mary's Bridge
Classification Road Bridge (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 64544
Site Number NX75SW 2
NGR NX 7030 5476
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/64544
- Council Dumfries And Galloway
- Parish Tongland
- Former Region Dumfries And Galloway
- Former District Stewartry
- Former County Kirkcudbrightshire
NX75SW 2 7030 5476.
(NX 7030 5476) Queen Mary's Bridge (NR) (Site of)
OS 6" map (1957)
The site of a bridge allegedly built by the Romans; some traces of the path or causeway to it are still visible. It is said to have been built of oak beams, supported by stone pillars at each end. A large beam of oak taken from the river bed opposite Castle Dykes c.1800 was said to have come from the bridge. It was called after Mary, Queen of Scots, in consequence of her crossing it after the battle of Langside. It was then broken down by her attendants to delay pursuit. However, the Memoirs of Lord Herries, who accompanied the queen, state that she travelled by another route, making the tradition unreliable (M Harper 1896).
NSA 1845 (J M'Millan); Name Book 1849.
The alleged site of this bridge lies beneath an artificial loch. No further information. Name not confirmed.
Visited by OS (DWR) 14 February 1972.
