Perry Bridge
Perry Bridge, also known as the Zig Zag Bridge, is a bridge over the River Tame in Perry Barr, Birmingham, England. Built in 1711, it is a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled monument.
The bridge was built, in the 18th century, of red sandstone in a packhorse style. It is believed that it is the bridge built by order of the Staffordshire Quarter Sessions, held in 1709, to take the place of a 'wood horse bridge'. It is said to have been built by Sir Henry Gough. A crossing has been on the spot since Roman times as this was the exact spot where Ryknild Street crossed the river, giving rise to the local placename, "Holford". A stream, "Holbrook", joins the river adjacent to the bridge.
Written evidence of this crossing date back to as early as 1509 when there was mention of a field, named "Bridge Meadow", being located nearby.
The bridge is in length and wide. The parapets on each side rise nearly. It is now open only to pedestrian traffic. It appears in the badge of Handsworth Grammar School.
A replacement bridge, in Art Deco style, built in 1932, stands alongside, and carries vehicular traffic on the route.
