The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the world’s most visited bridges, a Grade I listed structure, designed by the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and completed in 1864.
Constructed across the Avon Gorge and the shallow, muddy waters of the River Avon, the bridge spans an area rich in wildlife. The river, which is 250 feet below the bridge, is a symbol of Bristol’s heritage. Once used as the main access point into the city by ships bringing goods in, making Bristol a great trading city.
The foundation stone was laid in 1831 but due to various difficulties in finance and politics, it was abandoned in 1843 with only the towers complete.
The engineer, Brunel, died in 1859 before the bridge was complete. Construction began again on the bridge soon after his death, as a memorial.
The shape and structure of the bridge has been an enduring feature of its iconic status, both in terms of the visual design and the longevity of the materials used to build it. At a length of 1,352 feet and the towers spanning 702 feet, the bridge is seen as an impressive feat of Victorian engineering.
The chains and suspension rods are constructed from wrought iron; the towers are built of local pennant stone, with red sandstone used as the main material on the south-facing tower.
Timber sleepers overlaid with planking make up the main deck of the bridge, which has been covered with asphalt since 1897.
Using the Clifton Suspension Bridge as a teaching resource
Our teachers notes contain information on the bridges’ architectural style, structural highlights and some quirky facts. Use our learning activities to support teaching and learning about:
Resources
More information on the Clifton Suspension Bridge
Biography: Isambard Kingdom Brunel on BBC
Article, Physics: bridge the gap
Making the modern world: bridges resource by Science Museum, London
Bridge design: teaching resources by Cambridge University
© ktvyeow, flickr.com
The foundation stone was laid in 1831 but due to various difficulties in finance and politics, it was abandoned in 1843 with only the towers complete.
The engineer, Brunel, died in 1859 before the bridge was complete. Construction began again on the bridge soon after his death, as a memorial.
The shape and structure of the bridge has been an enduring feature of its iconic status, both in terms of the visual design and the longevity of the materials used to build it. At a length of 1,352 feet and the towers spanning 702 feet, the bridge is seen as an impressive feat of Victorian engineering.
The chains and suspension rods are constructed from wrought iron; the towers are built of local pennant stone, with red sandstone used as the main material on the south-facing tower.
Timber sleepers overlaid with planking make up the main deck of the bridge, which has been covered with asphalt since 1897.
© www.fxfowle.com
Our teachers notes contain information on the bridges’ architectural style, structural highlights and some quirky facts. Use our learning activities to support teaching and learning about:
- building structures
- urban design
- Britain’s trading heritage and how Victorian engineering shaped industrial Britain
- construction and design (especially in maths and science).
Resources
More information on the Clifton Suspension Bridge
Biography: Isambard Kingdom Brunel on BBC
Article, Physics: bridge the gap
Making the modern world: bridges resource by Science Museum, London
Bridge design: teaching resources by Cambridge University
