The bridge's predecessor, 'Friar Bacon's Study,' was a gatehouse tower demolished in 1779 to widen the road for horse-drawn carriages.
It is the site of the first lock on the non-tidal River Thames.
The bridge is named after a 'folly' or tower that stood on the medieval bridge, not because the bridge structure itself is considered a folly.
It sits at the downstream end of the stretch of river used for Oxford University's Eights Week rowing regatta.
Lewis Carroll lived nearby at Christ Church and took Alice Liddell on rowing trips that departed from this area, inspiring his literary works.
Folly Bridge is a historic crossing over the River Thames, locally known as the Isis, in Oxford. The current stone bridge was designed by architect James Perry and completed in 1827. It replaced a medieval structure that formerly carried the city's main southern entrance and featured a notorious gatehouse prison known as 'Friar Bacon's Study.' The bridge serves as a primary hub for local river activities, including rowing and punting. It is positioned at the intersection of the Abingdon Road and the river, marking the traditional start of the university boat race course. The site remains a functional link for traffic entering Oxford from the south. The surrounding riverbanks provide access points for pleasure craft and boat hire businesses. Modern infrastructure improvements have integrated the historic stone aesthetic with contemporary traffic needs.
The riverbank path on the north side of the bridge looking back at the stone arches.
Walk down to the riverbank on the north side to access the towpath for a scenic walk toward Christ Church Meadow.
Rent a punt or rowing boat from the adjacent boathouses to explore the river from the water level.
Visit the riverside pub located immediately next to the bridge for views of passing rowers.
Do not attempt to walk along the narrow bridge sidewalk during peak traffic hours as it is very cramped.
