THE CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE, BRISTOL

The Clifton Suspension Bridge was built in 1836 by a young engineer by the name of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This magnificent 702 foot high suspension bridge gracefully spans across the deep Avon Gorge which lies between Clifton and the Leigh Woods, Bristol. Its a great visit and is well recommended. The bridge is truly a remarkable piece of engineering by a very talented and expert designer and it has to be a must see attraction if one is spending time in Bristol. When you walk across the bridge, the view is inspiring and the symbol of the city is the suspension bridge. Visitors from across the world have visited this grade I listed structure.

The foundation stone was laid in 1831 but the project was delayed by politics and financial problems. The building of the bridge begun in 1843 and the towers were only built before more delays begun. Although the bridge got underway again and was almost finished when in 1859 the great Brunel died only aged 53. The bridge was totally completed as Brunel’s memorial in 1864. The bridge was designed for light horse drawn traffic, but due to its solid construction, almost 13,000 motor vehicles cross this bridge each day.

The cyclists and pedestrians can cross this bridge free of charge, but the motorist must pay a small charge of about 25p.

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