Chain Bridges and Welsh Iron
essay by Stephen K. Jones, adapted by Jane Joyce
from The Development of Chain Bridges in Wales (and beyond) using Welsh iron (2015)
from The Development of Chain Bridges in Wales (and beyond) using Welsh iron (2015)
Introduction
Wales played a significant role in the development of the suspension
bridge in the first half of the 19th century. It is home to two
outstanding examples of the period Thomas Telfords Menai Suspension bridge and Conway Suspension Bridge. It is also home to the much rebuilt but pioneeering Llantysilio chain bridge and some of the prolific output of Captain samuel Brown, whose Union Bridge used Welsh Iron.
The huge industrial complexes in the valleys of South Wales were
producing iron in unprecedented quantities, and British engineers were
exploring ways to use it to construct bridges of ever-greater span.
Chains of iron were ideal for supporting 'modern' suspension bridges,
which featured horizontal decks designed for road traffic. Captain
Brown's Newbridge chainworks (Brown Lenox) at Pontypridd in South Wales was in the forefront of this development.
This adaptation of Stephen K. Jones' essay focuses on the work of
the two engineers who dominated chain bridge constructed in Britain in
this period. Captain Sir Samuel Brown (1776-1852) was
responsible for a large number of suspension bridges (built and
proposed), of which three important examples survive. Thomas Telford (1757-1834) knew Brown and shared his confidence in suspensions bridges.
Stephen K. Jones's research is focused on the Newbridge chainworks and
on Brown's papers held in the National Archives of Scotland. His
research for the touring exhibition sponsored by ICE Wales Cymru — Web of Iron
— has resulted in two permanent exhibitions. One is at the Chain Bridge
Honey Farm Visitor Centre, Horncliffe, near Berwick upon Tweed. The
other is at the Thomas Telford Centre, Prince's Pier, Menai Bridge, Isle
of Anglesey.
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