Horkstow Suspension Bridge

HUMBERSIDE GLANFORD 5264

SE 91 NE HORKSTOW BRIDGE LANE (west end)

7/39 Horkstow Suspension Bridge 25.9.79 GV II*

Suspension bridge. 1834-5 by Sir John Rennie, engineer; Messrs John and Edward Walker of Gospel Oak Ironworks, Tipton, Staffordshire, ironfounders, for the Commissioners of the Ancholme Drainage and Navigation. Wrought iron bridge with cast iron fittings, timber decking and rusticated ashlar structural masonry with smooth-faced ashlar dressings. Overall length 70.75 metres (232 ft), span of chains 40.75 metres (133 ft 9 ins). Ashlar suspension towers built into the sloping riverbanks; each has plinths and tapering pilastered piers flanking a recessed keyed elliptical arch with a moulded cornice and blocking course above. Rectangular chain ancorage blocks at each side have plinths and caps. Two main chains of composite bolted wrought iron links to each side, with vertical suspension rods from each link supporting transverse timber bearers for the plank deck. Later railings of 3 iron or steel strips clamped to suspension rods. A well- preserved and elegantly designed example of an early suspension bridge, the only known example by Sir John Rennie and one of the earliest unaltered suspension bridges in the country. M J T Lewis, 'Horkstow Bridge', Lincolnshire Industrial Archaeology, Vol 8, no 1, 1973, 2-9.

Listing NGR: SE9735618998