Buttington Bridge
This entry refers to the road bridge which carries the A458 road across the River Severn at Buttington, north east of Welshpool, Powys.
Most sources refer to this as a cast iron bridge. In fact it is a wrought iron arch bridge, with cast iron balustrades. There are also cast iron panels bolted to the faces of the outer wrought iron structure. As decorative features, they are not pleasing to the eye, particularly as they do not succeed in their presumed role of hiding the arch ribs (near the abutments, see photo 2).
There is also a railway bridge nearby.
See Geograph entry for location.
1860 'BUTTINGTON BRIDGE. The Surveyor also specially, reported to the condition of Buttington bridge, and the probability of retaining it for any length of time. He stated : I have made a careful survey of the state of this bridge so far as the height of water at this season will permit. With some unimportant exceptions, the timber is in sound condition. Those parts in which there are evidences of decay, can be replaced during the summer, when more special examination can made. I have no reason to believe that any immediate steps for the re-construction of the bridge need be taken. The reports were passed.' [1]
1881 COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY
BUTTINGTON BRIDGE RENEWAL
TENDERS are requested for the necessary WORKS in Stone and Iron of this Bridge of 103 feet span to the same span, and of the Approaches to the same.
Plans and Specifications may be seen on and after 21st of March at the Office of the Surveyor, Newtown, ....'[2]
1882 Tenders accepted: Masonry and abutments: Birrel of Shrewsbury; Wrought ironwork: Darlaston Iron Co.[3]
1883 'Mr. W. N. Swettenham, the county surveyor, reported that the work of erecting Buttington Bridge had been greatly impeded by the continuous flood in the Severn, but the work is now progressing.' [4]