Structure and site description
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.
Clifton Suspension Bridge © Macspite, flickr.com
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.
Architectural style
Victorian bridge, designed by the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Quirky facts
- Over 65 species of birds use the Avon Gorge, including peregrine falcons, buzzards and kestrels.
- Over 10,000 vehicles a day cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Building highlights
- The Clifton Suspension Bridge has been hailed as one of the most important structures to be built during the Victorian era.
- In 2006 an illumination system to light up the bridge at night was installed to celebrate the 200th birthday of the engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
- The bridge has a height of 245 feet at the deck level with a dip of chains of 70 feet.
Close up of the structure © D W S, flickr.com
Using the Clifton Suspension Bridge as a teaching resource
The Clifton Suspension Bridge can 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).
Suggested activities
Key stage 2 – Design and technology
Using materials available in your school grounds - design, test and build a small environmentally sustainable bridge. Evaluate the construction methods and the success of your structure on completion.
Key stage 3 – English
Write a newspaper article for an edition of a Bristol local paper, reporting on the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Focus on the engineering feat of the bridge and on the talents of the engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, which were being celebrated when the bridge was completed.
Key Stage 2 – Geography and maths
Look at images of The Bristol Suspension Bridge on an interactive whiteboard. Discuss the length, width and span of the structure. How does the bridge relate to the landscape? What features of the bridge were revolutionary at the time it was built and make it a structure of historical importance today?
Region
South West
Location
The Clifton Suspension Bridge
Clifton, Bristol
School access
For school guided tours contact visitor services on 0117 974 4664 or visitinfo@clifton-suspension-bridge.org.uk. The Clifton Suspension Bridge offers specific curriculum tours, visit their site for more details.
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
Article sources
Clifton Suspension Bridge website
Explore-at-Bristol science centre
