Horkstow Bridge
Horkstow suspension bridge is of wrought iron and timber construction and crosses the River Ancholme in Humberside. It was designed by John Rennie and although he designed many bridges, notably those in London, this is his only known suspension bridge. The proposal was part of the New River Ancholme Drainage Scheme, by which the River Ancholme, was straightened, widened and deepened. Existing small bridges with many arches were replaced by single-span structures, and the locks at Ferriby Sluice were enlarged. It was completed in 1836 under the supervision of Adam Smith and is now owned and maintained by the Environment Agency. [1]
The ironwork was supplied by Messrs John and Edward Walker of Gospel Oak Ironworks, Tipton, Staffordshire.
Grade II* listed. See English Heritage listing[2], which is the source of the following information:-
Overall length 70.75 metres (232 ft), span of chains 40.75 metres (133 ft 9 ins). Two main chains of composite bolted wrought iron links to each side, with vertical suspension rods from each link supporting transverse timber bearers for the plank deck. Later railings of three iron or steel strips clamped to suspension rods. One of the earliest unaltered suspension bridges in the country.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horkstow_Bridge
- ↑ [1] English Heritage listing, which references M J T Lewis, 'Horkstow Bridge', Lincolnshire Industrial Archaeology, Vol 8, no 1, 1973, 2-9