St John's Bridge also called Town Bridge The area south of the south gate, has been associated with St John the Baptist from earliest history of Malmesbury. Tradition links St Aldhelm and his choice of place of baptism, in the river, of new Christians with this river crossing. The bridge is sited very near the point where originally the two branches of the Avon which embrace the town, confluate.
The present three-span stone structure crosses the widest point and replaces many earlier bridges on this site. Dating from late 18th century on the town side of the bridge a leper hospital was built on the late 12th century (remnants of which can still be seen) and a mill has probably stood on the opposite bank since before the Domesday Book was written.
Bridge description by John Bowen
