This is a beautiful arch bridge that has a detailed cast iron facade. The cast iron is not structural, riveted wrought iron arches are behind the cast iron. The bridge has a large statue that is a memorial to the South African war that dates to 1906. The bridge was being restored at the time of documentation, so some parts of the bridge were covered up. Robert Morham, city architect for Edinburgh, designed the ornamentation on the bridge.
Official Heritage Listing Information and Findings
Listed At: Category A
Discussion:
List Entry Number: LB30035, LB49067
Description Blyth and Westland (engineers), with architectural
details by Robert Morham, 1894-7. Bridge consisting of 3 wide spans,
each constructed of 6 arched iron girders, on masonry piers. Decorative
cast-iron arcading to spandrels, beneath consoled and festooned
entablature. Canted ends and festooned tops to piers. Bronze plaque to
centre (see Notes), and War Memorial (separately listed).
Statement of Special Interest The foundation stone was laid on 25th
May 1896, and the bridge was opened by Lord Provost Sir Andrew McDonald
on 1st September 1897. The contractor was Sir William Arrol. The present
bridge replaces one taken down in 1896, during the reconstruction and
expansion of Waverley Station (also by Blyth and Westland). The old
bridge was part of the great civic improvement scheme initiated by Lord
Provost George Drummond, who laid the foundation stone in 1763. After a
collapse in 1769, the bridge was finally opened in 1772.
References Bibliography AJ Youngson MAKING OF CLASSICAL EDINBURGH
(1966) pp 60-65. Gifford, McWilliam and Walker EDINBURGH (1984) pp
284-5.
Information About Memorial:
Description William
Birnie Rhind, 1906. 4 larger than life-size stone figures of soldiers, 3
seated, I standing, on wreathed stone plinth with bronze plaque, on
North Bridge parapet.
Statement of Special Interest Memorial
to soldiers of the King's Own Scottish Borderers who died in several
campaigns in the last decade of the 19th century.
References
Bibliography Gifford, McWilliam and Walker EDINBURGH (1984) p 285.
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