CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE Clifton Gorge, Somerset 1836>1864 Brunel HEW129 ST565 731 N52o 47' 30.2" W2o 1' 45.3"
William Vick left 1000 pounds in 1753 to be invested until ten thousand pounds had accumulated which was to be spent on his dream of a bridge across the Clifton Gorge of the Avon River. In 1829, the 25 year old I.K. Brunel won a design competition set by the Trustees. Construction began in 1836, but was suspended when the money ran out six years later. The stone towers were in place, but still in rustic condition. The iron chains were sold to be used for Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash. After Brunel’s death in 1859 the Institution of Civil Engineers finished construction of the bridge as Brunel's memorial. John Hawkshaw and W.H. Barlow amended the original design making the bridge deck a little wider and with triple suspension chains and brought it to completion in 1864. Brunel’s 1845 Hungerford suspension foot bridge in London was being torn down and its iron chains were bought to use at Clifton.
The suspension chains are 7 by 1 inch wrought iron links each of which is 24 feet long. Roller mounted ‘saddles’ at the top of the towers allow movement so the three independent wrought iron chains on each side can adjust to the bridge load. The deck is suspended from 81 matching vertical wrought iron rods.
The bridge has a span of 702’3” which was at the time the longest free span in the world. The most spectacular aspect of this thrilling bridge, however, is it’s 240’ height above the river.
To reach the bridge and go across it, take the Service exit #19 on the M 5 heading southwest immediately after crossing the Avon. At the roundabout, take the second exit (after the one for services) A369 the sign for which will mention the Clifton Bridge. In about four miles, in Abbot's Leigh, you will take a left turn onto B 3129 at a traffic light which is signed to the Clifton Toll Bridge.
