Shared description
Fiddler's Elbow Bridge
Most people probably wouldn't give this bridge more than a cursory glance, but it is well worth a critical look.
It was built in 1915 by the firm of Mouchel and Partners, which had been founded in the UK to develop the techniques of reinforced concrete construction pioneered by the Frenchman Francois Hennebique. As such it is a very early example of the technique, in recognition of which it has been awarded Grade II* Listed status. The fine lines of the arch are remarkable; with a span of 90 feet, the depth of the arch over about 2/3rds of its length is a mere 8 inches. The quality of the workmanship is evidenced by the fact that the concrete shows no signs of spalling or exposure of the reinforcement. The arch is said to have been cast as a single pour, which would certainly have been an achievement for those times, but probably contributes to its current good condition.
Although the bridge now forms part of the Trent Valley Way long distance footpath, it was not built as a footbridge. It was in fact built by the Trent Navigation Company as a roving or turnover bridge to allow the navigation towpath to change from one side of the river to the other, specifically without the need to unhitch the horse's towrope. As such, it is believed to be the only roving bridge on a wide waterway (over 14ft beam). It was a replacement for an earlier bridge.
It was built in 1915 by the firm of Mouchel and Partners, which had been founded in the UK to develop the techniques of reinforced concrete construction pioneered by the Frenchman Francois Hennebique. As such it is a very early example of the technique, in recognition of which it has been awarded Grade II* Listed status. The fine lines of the arch are remarkable; with a span of 90 feet, the depth of the arch over about 2/3rds of its length is a mere 8 inches. The quality of the workmanship is evidenced by the fact that the concrete shows no signs of spalling or exposure of the reinforcement. The arch is said to have been cast as a single pour, which would certainly have been an achievement for those times, but probably contributes to its current good condition.
Although the bridge now forms part of the Trent Valley Way long distance footpath, it was not built as a footbridge. It was in fact built by the Trent Navigation Company as a roving or turnover bridge to allow the navigation towpath to change from one side of the river to the other, specifically without the need to unhitch the horse's towrope. As such, it is believed to be the only roving bridge on a wide waterway (over 14ft beam). It was a replacement for an earlier bridge.
Created: Fri, 14 Sep 2012, Updated: Fri, 14 Sep 2012
6 images use this description: (all images taken in 2012)
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