Hellesdon Bridge
This entry refers to the cast iron road bridge over the River Wensum near Norwich.
The bridge has three cast iron arch ribs pierced by round and elliptical holes, the ligaments between the holes being quite slender. The centre rib is set lower than its neighbours. The parapets are unpierced cast iron panels, bolted to the deck plate castings. Over time the bridge has been strengthened by the insertion of a pair of riveted wrought hog-back iron girders (in 1899) and by the attachement of welded steel components to the side panels. Extensive refurbishment was carried out in 2008-9. Despite the various works undertaken, the cast iron components have seen little alteration.
A photograph from 1903 shows the appearance before the attachment of handrails, but after the insertion of the riveted girders[1]
1818 Advertisement placed by Elisha De Hague, Town Clerk, for tenders to construct a bridge in wood or iron 38½ ft span, with the width 'clear of the Railway' of 13½ ft (clearly 'Railway' here means parapet or railings!), and to remove the existing bridge.[2]
1819 'The sum of 1169l. was ordered to be paid to Mr. Frost for erecting Hellesdon Bridge, according to the contract.'[3]
![[1]](https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3107/2737712785_8c6644104b_b.jpg){kind=link}