Alresford’s Hidden Gems to Open for Watercress Festival
15th April 2008
The Alresford Eel House and the Soke Bridge are set to open to members of the public on Watercress Festival Day, Sunday 11th May. It will be the first time in 2008 people will get to see these rare and historic landmarks.
Dating back to 1820, the Alresford Eel House, which sits proudly over the town’s river Arle was originally part of the Arlebury Estate and was used to trap eels right up until the 1950s. The sudden collapse of one of the walls in 2006 rendered the landmark building, the only one of its kind in Hampshire, unsafe for visitors. Now, thanks to the efforts of the New Alresford Town Trust, the Alresford Society and local volunteers as well as generous grants and donations, this fascinating building has been restored to its former glory. Visitors to the Alresford Watercress Festival will be amongst the first to see it once more – it will be open from 11am – 3pm.
The Soke Bridge, officially known as Alresford Bridge, will be open to visitors between 10am and 4pm. The mediaeval structure was built in about 1190 by Godfrey de Lucy, Bishop of Winchester. Entry, which will be well signed, to this scheduled and Grade II* listed English Heritage monument is a few yards on the right down Mill Hill, off the lower (north) end of Broad Street. Admission will be £1 for adults, children admitted free; all monies collected will go towards the restoration costs of the Eel House, further down the River Arle.
Visitors will be personally welcomed on the day, an information sheet on the Bridge will be available and everyone will have the opportunity to seek further information or help in any way.
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