An engraving of Stephen's Bridge dated 1862.
The original bridge was very narrow - only wide enough for a cart. Larger traffic used the ford which ran along the west side of the bridge. In about 1850, in order to widen the roadway a little, the brick parapet was taken down and cast iron railings fitted as shown in the engraving above. This made only a marginal difference as this quote from 1892 makes clear;
'the present Horse River bridge is very narrow, and the public have often to wait when vehicles are passing over, the width being only sufficient for one at a time. Aged people and children especially are often exposed to great danger, and the wonder is that one has met with accident here.' [From the Chelmsford Chronicle 19th August 1892
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. The bridge is very narrow, and the public have often to wait when vehicles are passing over, the width being only sufficient for one at a time. Aged people and children especially are often exposed to great danger, and the wonder is that one has met with accident here.