The first documented mention of a bridge at this location dates back to 1282 as the Grote Eeckhoutbrug. It served as a connection from the city center to the Bruges suburbs. In 1357, the Bruges master mason Jan Slabbaerd built a new bridge. However, the names of the builders Jan van Oudenaerde and Jan Petite are also associated with the bridge.[1] In 1421, the painters and porters who probably offered their services on the bridge[2] received permission to build a chapel on the bridge. The bridge itself was renovated in 1642. In the 17th century, the name of the builder Jan de Wachter is mentioned in relation to the bridge.[3]
In 1767, the chapel was replaced by the statue of Saint Nepomuk. Nepomuk is considered the bridge saint. It was created by the Bruges sculptor Pieter Pepers senior (1730–1785). The bridge has had its current name since then. On the night of October 6-7, 1795, unknown persons tipped the statue into the water. It was re-erected on May 1, 1811. At the same time, the base received an inscription.
In 1859, the bridge was rebuilt. The city architect Jean-Brunon Rudd is mentioned as the name.[4] It was flattened and widened, and a metal railing was added. The railing was removed in 1950 and replaced with a stone parapet. As early as 1930, a lantern was attached to the left and right of the statue. In 1980, the A. Goetinck company restored the statue of Saint Nepomuk in collaboration with the sculptor Pierre Goetinck.
The bridge has been listed as a monument since March 28, 2002, and has also been registered as an architectural heritage site since September 14, 2009.