Looming high above the Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge is one the most recognisable landmarks in South West England and an icon of the City of Bristol. In this third edition of 'Flash Facts', we delve into some fascinating information about this stunning engineering marvel. The bridge functions as a key crossing throughout the year for vehicles and pedestrians to this day, and the views up there offer a splendid lookout over Bristol and the surrounding area. I hope you enjoy this article and if you haven't already visited, may be inspired to experience this West Country wonder in person.
1. The brainchild of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, work on the Clifton Suspension Bridge began back in 1831, however it took over thirty years of work before it opened in 1864. This was a result of numerous factors - the sheer scale of the engineering project and riots in the area which contributed to a funding crisis, were hurdles which needed to be confronted to build the bridge.
2. The Clifton Suspension Bridge has always been a toll bridge, ever since opening over 150 years ago. With some exceptions due to potential bridge works or exceptional circumstances, the bridge is proudly open for crossings '24/7', 365 days a year! For pedestrians, the crossing is free, but the toll for motorised vehicles is £1 per crossing. For those who regularly use the crossing, 'Bridge Cards' are available for purchase - offering a discounted rate depending on how many journeys are bought (the more journeys - the better value for money!).
3. The not-for-profit charity of the 'Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust', was established in 1953. Their role is to act as custodians for the bridge - playing a crucial role in preservation and maintenance. They also play a key role in preserving and sharing historical artefacts and records of this Grade 1 listed structure; online collections are now available to learn from.
4. The dimensions of this huge structure are staggering... the bridge spans from start to finish approximately 214 metres across the River Avon, which links the Bristol suburb of Clifton on the eastern side, to North Somerset's Leigh Woods on the western side. In terms of height, it reaches 76 metres above the water level below, whilst the bridge width is just shy of 10 metres wide.
5. The official website for the bridge claims that the Clifton Suspension Bridge is the most photographed place in Bristol, and also the seventh most pictured in all of the United Kingdom!
6. One of Bristol's other iconic attractions, the SS Great Britain ship, was also a creation of the famous Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The ship's final journey home to Bristol, the city of its creation, saw her pass under the Clifton Suspension Bridge in 1970, en-route to the dry dock.
7. Located on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre offers an insight into the bridge construction and the continuous work of maintaining this site going forward. Challenges involve erosion of the ironwork on the bridge from salt in the air, that's a result of the marine environment brought in by the tidal River Avon - thus restoration is crucial!
8. The Clifton Observatory is set in an 18th-century windmill, and is home to a great viewing platform as well as a camera obscura (offers a 360 degree view of Bristol!). The Observatory dates back to 1766, and it is also home to accessing the 'Giant's Cave' - whereby legend says it is home to Goram and Ghyston! The cave actually opens up onto the face of the Avon gorge.
9. Somewhat of a sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle of city life on the other side of the River Avon, the Leigh Woods forest is a beautiful place to visit near the bridge. Looked after by the National Trust, the walkways wind through lush green woodland, and the path near the River Avon can take you underneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge - offering a different perspective!
10. Isambard Kingdom Brunel described the Clifton Suspension Bridge as "my first child, my darling". This project certainly proved to be a catalyst of what was a remarkable career in engineering for Brunel. His appointment for this grand project, actually came about through a competition... he was only 24 at the time! All this time on - Brunel's lasting legacy is enduring - and the Clifton Suspension Bridge is his grandest legacy, and a landmark that's been built to last!
There's few sights that are as iconic to its respective city in England, than the Clifton Suspension Bridge is to Bristol. Offering superb views over the River Avon and City of Bristol, the bridge provides stunning West Country views - whilst also being an engineering marvel in its own right to admire itself. With the suburb of Clifton and forest of Leigh Woods either side, there's lots to see and experience in the area for a fleeting visit or whole day here. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is a name that's iconic to Bristolians - the man who built their iconic bridge!
By Aaron Woodruff
Lessons & Joys of Travel
08/08/2024