From the 12th century, until 1961, the Bridge Trust was responsible for the Long Bridge over the River Taw; repairing, restoring, maintaining and improving one of the most important bridges in the area and a vital part of Barnstaple's infrastructure since the middle ages.

Although it is no longer responsible for the Long Bridge, the Bridge Trust continues to play a large part in Barnstaple life, though you may never have heard of us!!

The Bridge Trust is one of the largest property owners in Barnstaple and, although much of the income generated by our Grade II listed heritage buildings is applied to their upkeep and repair, nevertheless for many years, until 2017, the Trust gave away tens of thousands of pounds annually (nearly £600,000 from 2012 to 2017) to local groups, organisations and individuals.

High Street decline and changes in business practice, coupled with increasing repair costs has meant that, since 2017, we have, very reluctantly, had to suspend regular large grant giving. We continue to provide Samaritan Grants to those most in need in the Barnstaple area.