Teignmouth Bridge ([1836])

Hearder, G. & J. The South Devon monthly museum. Plymouth: April 1st, 1835. VOL. VII. No. 40. pp. 145-147.TElGNMOUTH AND SHALDON BRIDGE.THIS bridge, which is the longest in the United Kingdom, was erected at the expense of a joint-stock company, incorporated by, and acting under the authority of, an act of parliament, passed in the session of 1824. The foundation stone was laid by William Langmead, Esq., of Elfordleigh, near Plymouth, the chairman of the committee, on the 20th. September following; but, in consequence of some unexpected difficulties in raising the necessary funds, the works were not proceeded with for nearly twelve months. In September, 1825, the erection was commenced with spirit, and the bridge was opened for public passing on the 8th of June, 1827. Her present majesty (then Duchess of Clarence) passed over it on the 14th. July following, on her way to Plymouth, on which occasion, triumphal arches were erected at each end of the bridge, and the bridge itself was literally crammed with spectators.The bridge is erected on a plan altogether new, designed by Roger Hopkins, Esq., of Plymouth, civil engineer, and executed under his directions. It consists of twenty-eight arches of thirty feet span, one arch of sixty feet, four arches of forty feet, a swing bridge of thirty feet, which opens into two parts, so as to admit vessels, of even from three to four hundred tons burthen to pass, and retaining walls and abutments on each side, making the whole length of the bridge, from high-water mark on the one side to high-water mark on the other or just one third of a mile. The arches are constructed of iron and timber, supported on columns, and the road-way and footpaths are of the conjoined width of 24 feet. The entire cost of the undertaking was about £26,000., of which £19,000. were expended in the construction of the works and the remainder in the purchase of the ferry-rights, and the defraying other incidental expenses.The advantages of this bridge are very great, both in a local and national point of view, arising from the substitution of a commodious bridge and approaches for an inconvenient and dangerous ferry, which could only be avoided by a circuit of fourteen miles, and the latter in opening, by means of the bridge and the roads lately made in the neighbourhood, a direct communication from Exeter, along the coast, to Torbay, -a communication long desired by military and naval men, which may prove of the greatest importance to this country in unforeseen emergencies. This bridge forms also a connecting link with the new coast-roads between Exeter and Plymouth, which pass through a highly picturesque district, and the towns of Starcross, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay, Paignton, and Dartmouth.Since its erection, Teignmouth and Torquay which before were much frequented as fashionable watering-places, have considerably increased in size as in accommodations and attractions. The former is principally resorted to during the summer season, (although many highly respectable families remain during the winter also) on account of the peculiar facilities it affords for sea-bathing, the salubrity of the air, and the many attractive picturesque walks and rides with which the neighbourhood abounds. The latter is justly celebrated as a winter residence, on account of the excessive mildness of the air, and is therefore often recommended to invalids in the incipient stages of consumption. Teignmouth and Torquay certainly surpass in magnitude and fashionable celebrity, all the watering places on the Devonshire coast, and the erection of this bridge has materially contributed towards their success.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Wood engraving

77x138mm