DENHAM COURT FT BRS (3) 1870's Buckinghamshire HEW 1919 TQ052 873
PARTLY PRIVATE PROPERTY On the former estate of Denham Court, which is now divided into the Buckinghamshire Golf Club and the County Park, there are three foot bridges over the River Colne which runs beside the Grand Union Canal: two suspension bridges and one very unusual lenticular bridge. One suspension footbridge by the former manor house, now the club house of the golf club, has been restored and maintained. (N51o 34' 16.2" W0o 29' 3.7") Its sad twin in the County Park is in pieces (N51o 34' 30.1" W0o 29' 1.7") and has lost its decking.
The lenticular bridge which was completely refurbished and restored by the County in 1991-2 (N51o 34' 30.1" W0o 29' 1.7"), but this Grade II listed structure is again in derelict condition in 2009. Civil Engineering Heritage: London & the Thames Valley published in 2001 and edited by Denis Smith who gives credit for the following description of the bridge on page 294 to Brian Powell:
"Built in wrought iron with a span of 61 feet, it consists of upper compression T-members supported from round bars in catenary as lower tension members. The supports consist of seven V-shaped spandrels increasing in size to mid-span to form the characteristic lentil-shaped truss. Each spandrel has a circular stiffener surmounted by an inverted member of segmental shape. At their ends the main members are anchored together within a casting that is bolted down to the abutments. The width between parapets is four feet, eight inches. "
The bridge by the club house is easy to find at the end of Denham Court Road off the A40 as it crosses under the M40. To find the other two, park at the County parking lot beside the café and take the path through the big meadow. When you get to the far side you will see some wooden bridges and ramps to take you over the swamp to the canal. If you turn left here you will find the ruined bridge in a few hundred yards on your right. To find the lenticular bridge, continue on to the canal and walk left along the tow path past the lock house and under the roving bridge. When you see the railway viaduct ahead of you, start looking for a broad path of steps on your left. The bridge is at the end of that path in the nettles and brambles. It is about a 30 minute walk from your car.