The Retracting Bridge (Bridgwater)

United Kingdom / England / Bridgwater
This bridge used to be rolled over the river to permit trains to pass into the docks. It was then rolled back to permit the passing of masted sailing ships.
It is permanently in position over the river now, and carries a footpath.
The original goods yard is now a retail park.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   51°7'54"N   3°0'5"W

Comments

  • The correct name of the bridge is The Retracting Bridge, primary used for the shipping constructed at Bridgewater East Quay to pass down steam towards the Bristol Channel. The rail traffic which passed over the bridge was originally horse drawn and not motive powered. The Bridgwater Shipyards produced a great number of masted sailing ships in it's hay day. The docks were still operating until the late 60's under motive power.On the west bank of The Parret is the remains of the glass kiln and on the east bank were the brick works. Both were a great asset the the Bridgwater industry and income for the town. Bridgwater was also famous for its markets selling living stock and produce under royal charter. The centre of the town still has the Cornhill where corn was bought and sold.
  • More about the Black Bridge. The eastern segment of the bridge would be slid to the south, then the center segment above the Parret would be retracted to where the eastern segment originally stood/ The bridge was retracted by use of a steam powered stationary engine, which was removed long ago. The bridge can no longer be retracted as the pit where the eastern segment used to go is now filled in with cement. A part of history gone forever. The bridge of course is still there but not in original condition. If you take a look at the 3D view on google, you can also see the bridge sagging in the middle where it was pummeled by heavy traffic for years before the Clink was built with the new bridge.
  • The goods yard is mentioned, but the was never accessible from the Bridge as it was connected to the Great Western Railway whereas the goods yard was part of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway. Somebody on the map of Bridgewater has connected the GWR to the S&DJR this was never the case in Bridgwater. They were however connected at Wells and Also Highbridge, well in fact the lines crossed, but whether they could actually utilize the other lines is not known.
  • The GWR was connected to the S and D at Bridgwater when the S and D closed the line to Bridgwater in Dec 1952. The North Station yard was used for goods until 7th July 1972.
  • Please spell the name of the town correctly, it is Bridgwater, although Bridgwater had a royal charter it was also a rotten borough, because of it's involvement during the English civil war, after the battle of sedgemoor the heads which had been severed from the enemies of the state where placed on poles and lines the high street from North Street to St. John Street on both sides of the road.
This article was last modified 12 years ago