Horkstow Suspension Bridge

Horkstow Suspension Bridge is a suspension bridge built between 1834 and 1835 by engineer Sir John Rennie and ironfounders John and Edward Walker from Gospel Oak Ironworks in Tipton, Staffordshire, for the Commissioners of the Ancholme Drainage and Navigation. The bridge is constructed of wrought iron with cast iron fittings, timber decking, and rusticated ashlar structural masonry featuring smooth-faced ashlar dressings. It has an overall length of 70.75 meters (232 feet) and a chain span of 40.75 meters (133 feet 9 inches).

The ashlar suspension towers are integrated into the sloping riverbanks, each featuring plinths and tapering pilastered piers that flank a recessed keyed elliptical arch, topped with a moulded cornice and blocking course. There are rectangular chain anchorage blocks on either side, which also have plinths and caps. The bridge is supported by two main chains made of composite bolted wrought iron links, with vertical suspension rods from each link that hold transverse timber bearers for the plank deck. Later additions include railings made of three iron or steel strips clamped to the suspension rods.

This bridge is a well-preserved and elegantly designed example of an early suspension bridge, notable for being the only known example by Sir John Rennie and one of the earliest unaltered suspension bridges in the country.