HULNE PARK, ALNWICK 1812 NU163 153 N55o 25' 50.1" W0o 44' 39"
PRIVATE LAND At the Duke of Northumberland's estate Hulne Park in Alnwick, there are three iron bridges over the River Witham which winds through the large property. The earliest is known as The Iron Bridge (N55o 25’ 50.1” W1o 44’ 39”). It was designed by David Stephenson and built in 1812. It has recently been completely rebuilt and restored after severe damage by floods. This is a three span bridge whose arches are very similar to those of the iron bridge at the Duke's Syon Park estate near London which was designed by James Wyatt and built in 1790. They are formed by loops and circles of wrought iron. The parapets and post are more in the style of other bridges of the early 1800s. There is an iron inscription saying L&T Cookson, Newcastle 1812. This bridge is about 12 feet wide and perhaps 60 feet in length. It is used regularly to carry vehicular farm traffic.
The second oldest bridge is known as the Duchess Bridge (N51o 48’ 17.1 W0o 3’ 24”). It is the most extraordinary of the three in its construction and would be classified as a lenticular bridge. Although exhibiting some battering due to floods and off limits to even foot traffic, it spans over 100 feet in length in one span and is about four feet in width.
It is an early tied-arch by which is meant that the horizontal bars are in tension to maintain the bow of the arched deck. The shallow arch of the bridge is supported by cast iron feet resting on two level iron pipes. The parapet consists of slender posts and two horizontal rails (now supplemented by wire mesh). The effect is very airy and original. It's date is probably late Regency judging only by the style of the posts: 1820's or 30's.
The third bridge is another foot bridge near the ruins of the Hulne Priory which is a suspension bridge probably of 20th century provenance. It too is very original in its construction.
Hulne Park is located on the western edge of the town of Alnwick. Take the road opposite the Alnwick Castle gate courtyard: Bailiff's Gate Road up hill and keep bearing to the left to the gates of Hulne Park. You must park outside the gate as only pedestrians are allowed within the park during daylight hours. Since it is vast, be sure to read the map posted by the gate which has the bridges marked and prepare for a delightful, if very long walk: half an hour to the Duchess Bridge and perhaps an hour to The Iron Bridge.