The Bridges of Shropshire County

by tim hooper 10 Replies latest social entertainment

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  tim hooper

  With apologies to Clint and Meryl........
  
  
  Actually, inspired by that remarkable film, I thought I'd have a bash at depicting some of the bridges near to me here in Shropshire, UK. All but one of these pass over the River Severn as it wends its gentle way southwards through the nearby countryside, on its way to the sea at Bristol (some 100 miles away).
  
  
  This first little bridge is the exception though, and strictly speaking it's not really a bridge at all, but an aqueduct! Built around 200 years ago to carry canal boats as they made their way from the mines to the river, this little arch is less than half a mile from my house.
  
  The lane that passes beneath, was (until the 1930's) the main road between Bridgnorth and Wellington until it was bypassed by a new road system. The aqueduct then fell into disrepair until it was restored to something of its former glory 8 years ago.

  

  
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  juni

  How beautifully romantic Tim! Thank you for sharing.

  Hugs, Juni
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  tim hooper

  So down to the River Severn we go!
  
  There's been a bridge at Atcham since Roman times, and now there's two lying almost parallel to each other. Nobody seems really sure about the dates, but this beautiful multi-arched bridge dates from the 17th century.

  

  Although this bridge is still structurally sound, in the 1920's it was considerd to be too steep for the motor cars of the time to cope, so it was joined by a flatter, concrete-made companion.

  
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  tim hooper

  Juni,

  You're being way too kind!

  Anyway as the river heads south, the main road has to pass over it at several locations.
  
  This nameless bridge is near Attingham House.

  
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  tim hooper

  The jewel in the crown undoubtedly has the be the Ironbridge itself!
  
  Built way back in 1779, this is the worlds very first bridge to be made from cast iron sections, and to this day no-one seems exactly sure how those mammoth semi-spans were cast and erected. There are no bolts in the original structure; every joint was dovetailed and wedged in true woodworking fashion.
  
  The bridge was closed to motor traffic some years ago, but is open to pedestrians and sight-seers.
  
  Photographically, it's been thrashed to death and it's very hard to get an 'original' picture of it. As the bridge lies in a valley, it's not often that the rays of the sinking sun actually get to illuminate it to its best advantage.
  
  I was lucky the other night......

  

  

  

  
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  juni

  Gorgeous architecture! I'm sure the modern bridge won't last that long, ya know?
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  tim hooper

  The traffic used to pass over the Ironbridge was diverted many years ago a mile or so downstream. The new bridge there caused a furore when it built. Personally, I rather like it!

  

  Once described as " two ballpoint pens and the quiet end of a condom...."

  
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  ninja

  Tim ...your work is amazing mate......love looking at them photos.....more more!!!!!.....ninja
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  tim hooper

  Last one for now!

  The original Woodbridge was demolished years ago and replaced by a modern steel strructure that was designed to pay homage to it's better-known big brother at Ironbridge.

  That boat has been there for the last 25 years that I know of....

  

  
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  willyloman

  I opened this thinking it had something to do with an American retired CO named Pat Shropshire, but the pictures are very nice!