Wynch Bridge

NEWBIGGIN RIVER TEES NY 92 NW 14/158 Wynch Bridge 14/9/66 II* Suspension bridge. Circa 1820 for Duke of Cleveland, replacing earlier bridge on site which was erected pre-1757 and was said to have been the earliest in Europe. Cast iron columns; wrought iron hangers, suspension and handrails; wood deck. 2 tapered Tuscan columns at each end support iron blocks through which suspension rails are threaded, and to the outside of which iron guy cables and square-section guy rods are bolted. Of 3 original hand rails threaded through the 13 pairs of hangers, the top was missing, as were the planks of the deck, at time of survey. 13 beams support deck. Being reinforced at time of survey.

The original bridge was built to enable lead miners who lived at Holwick to reach the mines at Middleton.

Source: W. Fordyce, History and Antiquities of the Co. Palatine of Durham, 1857; vol. II, p.70.

Listing NGR: NY9038227896

The asset was previously listed twice also under the parish of Holwick at List entry 1121052. This entry was removed from the List on 19 April 2017.