I was walking across this bridge last month with my friend Lynda, when she happened to comment on how we don’t see the phrase ‘corporation of . . . .” in the UK any more. With the exception of the City of London they disappeared in 1972 when the Local Government Act replaced them with Council. It is also unusual to see these days the names of the town officials. I was nodding away in agreement, when I suddenly squealed with excitement.

It was one of those hideously wet April days we had last month, and I only had my phone on me so the photographs I am sorry to say are not great. However Squarers, I know, won’t be bothered and will completely understand my squeal of excitement. Lynda though looked at me in bemusement and so I had to explain I had seen the word ‘reconstructed’ on the plaque in the middle. Then I had to explain about Squares, but not sure she really got it!

There’s been a bridge here in Salisbury over the River Avon since the 14th century, although it wasn’t until 1561 that is was known as Fisherton Bridge. Initially the parish of Fisherton was responsible for its upkeep but by the mid 17th century it was important enough for the county to take it on. This version of the bridge dates back to 1872 when it was rebuilt using iron, and then in 1960/1 it was widened to what it is today.

This River Avon is not the same River Avon that I am now living near even though Salisbury is in the same county as my new home, and the western arm of this Avon rises in Devizes less than 25 miles from where I am living. This River Avon is sometimes called Salisbury or Hampshire Avon to distinguish it from the other 4 Avons in England as well as 1 in Wales and 3 in Scotland. The reason there are so many Avons is that ‘Avon’ means river in old English and also Welsh.

So basically we are saying river river!

Postscript: my lovely friend who looked at me in bemusement died four weeks to the day after crossing this bridge. I had known when we met up in April that Lynda was counting the days, as that had been the reason for our meeting up but even so I had hoped to have shared this post with her. Sadly though Lynda died 2 weeks ago. My memories of our joyous lunch, our stroll across this bridge and how she had decided that her ‘bucket list’ was about meeting up with old friends will remain with me forever. We won’t fade away, as we crossed the bridge.

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  4. What a neat coincident to find that word on the bridge! I’m glad you had that chance to take a walk with your friend. So sorry that she passed so soon after. (((hugs)))

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      1. I can’t conceive of ancient cities. In the west coast aside from old native american sites, cities are barely 150-200 years old, or in many cases less. 😀

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  12. I’m sorry to read about your friend. I don’t know if knowing in advance that someone’s time is short makes it easier or not but I’m glad you had this time together. I imagine you feel it as yet another blow. ((((((((((Becky)))))))). It’s good that you had this last, good time together…even of the excitement of the square spotting eluded her. 😉

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    1. yes it certainly added to an already week, but have to say a chance to chat knowing it might be last time was preferable to what happened with Robert. And I am letting her off squares as she got very excited about corporation!

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    1. thanks Graham, and glad not just me who gets the strange looks. I think it is a shame we don’t do this with modern signs about public buildings

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  15. A beautiful old bridge and your friend was right, we don’t hear about corporations much these days, it seems a strangely old-fashioned word. I was sorry to read your postscript but glad that at least you visited her when you did 🤗

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  18. It’s funny how, once we know what the theme for a square month is, we notice more things around us. I’m enjoying seeking out the symbolism of flowers or composing unusual shots.

    I was saddened to read your postscript, what a brave lady she must have been and I’m glad you had that time with her.

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    1. oh so glad you are now enjoying the theme, and how it makes us more aware. I have already decided on the theme for September, I might just have to announce it early!

      And yes I am so glad too.

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    1. Thanks Debbie, and you are so right about hidden history. You have reminded me I must get on and organise my walking tour of Bradford

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