Seven hundred years The bridge is thought to be almost 700 years old (it was originally used as a walkway for shepherds and their animals), and the mix of history and landscape is tempting, with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club's clubhouse towering in the backdrop. It is believed that the first bridge near Swilken Street may have been built by the Romans around 50 AD. The original wooden structure was replaced in 1770 by a stone bridge which was itself destroyed by fire in 1895. This was followed by another stone bridge which was also damaged by fire and had to be demolished last year. The new Swilken Bridge is made of cast iron with a central section of steel. It crosses over Swilken Street, which runs from west to east between the Old Town and the New Town of Edinburgh. The street name comes from Henry Swilley, who settled in the city in 1448. His house still stands just across the road from the bridge on Castlehill. Swilken Street is one of several streets in the Old Town named after members of the Swilley family. There are other bridges over the Eastern Road/Cowgate beyond the end of Swilken Street, including one called Swilley's Well. This is probably not what you're thinking of when you hear the word "well"!