The High Bridge is originally medieval but is much restored. On the east side is a projection carried a medieval chapel of St Thomas Becket until it was demolished in 1762. The west side carries a row of 16th century shops and houses (unique in England). {1} The bridge was called High Bridge to distinguish it, the principal bridge in Lincoln, from the other bridges to the south such as Gowt's bridge, the Bargate bridge over Sincil Dyke and Bracebridge. The earliest reference to a 'pons magna' (great or high bridge) occurs in 1146 although it is doubtful that any part of the present bridge is as old as this. The oldest part of the present bridge is about 1160. The bridge is essentially one arch of about 22 feet wide, giving a waterway of about 20 feet, but the early bridge was extended to both east and west at various times to carry more traffic and more buildings. The bridge is the only surviving example in this country of what was once a commonplace, a medieval bridge lined with shops like old London Bridge. There was a chapel on the bridge built sometime between 1173- 1200, and dedicated to St Thomas the Martyr, the chapel was pulled down in 1763. The medieval fish market was at high bridge, between the Stonebow and the bridge, and this was moved in 1849. {2}{3}{4} Grade I listed road bridge carrying shops and houses, dating from the 12th century, added to in the 13th and 16th centuries and restored and partly reconstructed in 1902 by William Watkins of Lincoln. The range of shops and houses at the west end, dating from the 16th century, is a careful and thorough reconstruction. The bridge is timber framed and dressed stone with a brick underbuild and a plain tile roof, the west side is partly roughcast. Much of the original close studded framing survives, with renewed rendered nogging. For the full description of this listed building please refer to the National Heritage List for England. {5} A member of the public has identified carvings of Edward II and his wife Alexandra on the outside of the café. They probably date from the restoration of the building in 1902, although this is not certain at this time. {6} A desk based assessment was produced in January 1995, in response to proposed investigation and conservation of the High Bridge. {7}