Twerton Bridge, Bath
NO LONGER EXTANT. Removed by 1894.
This was an innovative bridge designed by Thomas Motley and constructed in 1837. It is sometimes referred to as Twerton Suspension Bridge, but it was a rod-stayed bridge rather than a suspension bridge.
The site is currently occupied by a redundant girder bridge which carries a gas pipe between the northern and southern parts of the now-demolished Bath Gas Works.
Another innovative bridge, Victoria Bridge, Bath, designed by James Dredge, Senior, has been restored and can be seen a short distance upstream.
See 'Bridges of Bath' by R. Angus Buchanan[1]
1837 'ALBION SUSPENSION BRIDGE. This Chain Bridge, upon an entire new principle of suspension, discovered by Mr. Motley, engineer, unites the Upper Bristol road, near the Gasometer and the New Church, with the lower road at East Twerton. We learn that in about a fortnight or less it will be open to foot-passengers, and wholly completed at the latter end of September. The river-span is 120 feet, and the whole dimensions of the suspension-machinery is 230 feet. It presents to the view a very slight curve, or such a segment of a circle as would be given a rise of 3 feet in 230. This arch gives it such a power of compression as to avoid any undulation or vibration until that power is overcome by superior weight, which nothing that is ever likely to pass over this bridge can effect. It is this, in reality, that has been a desideratum in bridges of this character, - viz., an inflexible Suspension Chain.' [2]