5 Folly Bridge

Arriving in Oxford from the south means crossing the Isis (the ancient name for this stretch of the River Thames) over Folly Bridge. There is an island in the middle of the river at this point, where there used to be a ford for oxen to cross (geddit?). By the 9th century there was probably a wooden bridge across this bit of the Isis, and the first stone bridge was built around 1085. The current bridge was built in the 1820s.

The bridge seems to have been called Folly Bridge since the 17th century but the origin of the name is not known. You would be forgiven, though, for thinking that it was named after this dwelling built on the island - 5 Folly Bridge - with its crenellations, wrought iron balconies and bishops in niches.