BRAUNSTON BRIDGES Northamptonshire 1829 Thomas Telford HEW 352 SP532 660 N52o 17’ 24.2” W1o 13’ 13.1”
In 1829 Thomas Telford was straightening the curves in the northern section of the original Oxford Canal laid out by Brindley along the contour lines in 1770-90. He used a number of similar bridges of his design cast by the Horseley Iron Works. At this junction with the Grand Union Canal, he used a pair of these standardized iron bridges in combination with a connecting arched brick bridge. The result is a very Telford interplay between the solid masonry abutments and central bridge with the airy grace of the paired ironwork bridges. These bridges, similar to other bridges on the canal at Cathiron, Newbold on Avon, and Brinklow are made up of large pre-cast units. Each bridge spans 50’ in a semi-elliptical arch whose ribs also incorporate the parapets and hand rails. Such a shallow arch meant the head room at the outer edges was higher than with the conventional arch.
To find the bridges and the canal basin, proceed easterly on A45 and turn right as you come into Braunston at the sign indicating a chandlers’ store.