Folly Bridge Oxford

About this experience

About this experience

Folly Bridge in Oxford, England — a historic and much-loved landmark spanning the River Thames (locally called the Isis). 

Folly Bridge is a stone road bridge carrying Abingdon Road across the Thames to the south of Oxford city centre. It’s a Grade II listed structure.

Historical highlights

• There was likely a wooden crossing here in early medieval times, and the first known stone bridge was built around 1085.

• Until the late 17th century, it was known as South Bridge and formed part of the Grandpont causeway, an important route into Oxford.
• Close to the bridge stood Friar Bacon’s Study, a medieval hexagonal tower linked with the philosopher Roger Bacon. Although demolished in the 1770s, it helped give the bridge its “folly” name.
• A toll house was built on the bridge in 1844; tolls were collected until 1850.

• The bridge has three stone arches and is separated partway by a small island in the river.
• The island is home to interesting buildings like Caudwell’s Castle, a quirky 19th-century residence with decorative architecture.
• Nearby you’ll find punts and river boats for leisure trips, Christ Church Meadows just downstream, and riverside pubs and restaurants such as The Folly and No.1 Folly Bridge Brasserie overlooking the water.
• Lewis Carroll is said to have taken boating trips under the bridge that helped inspire Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
• The bridge area has historic ties to Oxford rowing events and the university’s rowing community.

Address - Abingdon Rd, Oxford OX1 4LB