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This bridge, when built in 1819-1820, was the first vehicular suspension bridge in Europe. It also had a record-breaking span when built. The bridge has a very unique layout, with the east end of the bridge having no tower whatsoever, and instead featuring a unique anchorage built into the natural rocky cliff at this side of the river. At this end, the eyebar chains do not pass over a tower and descend to ground level, and instead continue rising, passing over the approaching roadway, (which makes a sharp bend) and enter into the anchorage above the road. At the west end, a more traditional layout is found, with a stone tower holding the cables aloft at the end of the span, and leading away from the bridge, back-stay chains leading down to anchorages located at ground level.
Despite its age, the bridge retains good integrity in terms of the original design. The bridge retains its classic eyebar chains. The bridge has been supplemented with a wire cable, added above the original eyebar chain. The Friends of the Union Chain Bridge has proposed removing this alteration as part of restoration efforts, which would return the bridge to its original design and appearance.
Decorative crests on the towers, which were originally mounted at the center of the bridge on the chains, read "Vis Unita Fortior" which translates to "United Strength is Stronger."
Please refer to the article above, and official heritage information below for more detailed histories of this bridge. The Friends of the Union Chain Bridge are currently engaged in an ongoing effort to preserve and restore this bridge. Visit their website to learn more.
Above: Captain Samuel Brown, Designer/Builder of Bridge
Official Heritage Listing Information and FindingsEngland: Listed At: Grade I Scotland: Listed At: Category A Scotland (Bridge House): Listed At: Category C Discussion: England: List Entry Number: 1042214 Discussion: Scotland: Historic Environment Scotland Number: LB13645 Discussion: Scotland (Bridge House): Historic Environment Scotland Number: LB47714 |
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A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer. Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer |
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A collection of overview photos that show the bridge as a whole and general areas of the bridge. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer. Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer |
![]() Structure Details Mobile Optimized Photos |
A collection of detail photos that document the parts, construction, and condition of the bridge. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer. Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer |
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