Bridge rumour blown out of the water

Bickleigh Bridge did not provide musical inspiration

An east Devon beauty spot can no longer claim to be the inspiration behind a famous song.

For years Bickleigh Bridge in east Devon had been claimed locally as the bridge which Simon and Garfunkel sang about in their hit, Bridge Over Troubled Water.

The duo spent time in the UK in the 1960s and were known to have visited the area.

But speaking on BBC Radio Devon on Friday Art Garfunkel finally laid the longstanding rumour to rest.

Bridge Over Troubled Water is a gospel phrase which Paul took from a gospel group

Art Garfunkel

Asked by BBC Radio Devon's Judi Spiers if Bickleigh Bridge was the bridge in the song, Garfunkel said: "No, I'm sorry about that.

"Bridge Over Troubled Water is a gospel phrase which Paul took from a gospel group.

"It was in a Baptist church hymn.

"He liked the phrase and he used it," said the singer, who is in the UK to promote his new solo album and tour.

The song, which reached number one in 1970, was written by Paul Simon, with Garfunkel singing lead vocal.

The album of the same name was the last one the pair recorded together before they went their separate ways.