Brunel’s Swivel Bridge, Bristol - preservation practicalities

Abstract

Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed a lock and 70 Tonne swing bridge of novel design in 1849, sited at the lowest vehicular crossing point on the River Avon in Bristol, at Cumberland Basin, the western entrance to the Floating Harbour. In the 1870’s the bridge was shortened and relocated over a new entrance lock constructed where it served for well over 100 years. It still survives, lying derelict underneath the Plimsoll swinging road-bridge that superseded it in 1965.

Keywords:

• Brunel
• Swivel
• Bridge
• Bristol
• conservation
• volunteer
• harbour
• docks
• Cumberland Basin
• strategy

Notes

1 Jo Cox, Keystone Historic Building Consultants, Brunel’s Other Bridge, Appendix to ‘The Albion Yard, towards a heritage statement.

2 David Greenfield, ‘Brunel’s Swivel Bridge, Its History and Context,’ The International Journal for the History of Engineering and Technology, 92 (1) (2023).

3 Historic England: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/search-register/

4 Greenfield.

5 Site Log of Volunteer Work by the author, 2013 ongoing.

6 https://www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk/

7 https://www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk/

8 Bristol Western Harbour Heritage Assets. https://bwhha.wordpress.com/

9 https://www.brunelsotherbridge.org.uk/

10 Greenfield, Figure 9.

11 R. A. M. Watkins, ‘Brunel’s Swivel Bridge, Bristol, Inspection, Dimensional Survey and Future Renovation,’ The International Journal for the History of Engineering and Technology, 92 (1) (2023).

12 Carried out by Wallis Conservation Ltd, T/A Dorothea Restorations. www.dorothearestorations.com

13 Mann Williams, Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers. Brunel Swivel Bridge Investigation Works and Trial Repairs, August 2015.

14 Watkins.

15 KGAL Consulting Engineers. Brunel Swivel Bridge Restoration, Rotational Drive, March 2016.

16 Watkins.

17 https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/western-harbour

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Geoff Wallis

Geoff Wallis, C.Eng. MIMech.E, is a mechanical engineer, founder and former MD of Dorothea Restoration Engineers Ltd., specialising in the practical conservation of historic mills, metalwork and machinery. He is a Past President of the Newcomen Society, and a Conservation Course Leader at West Dean College. He has been a consultant for fifteen years, and a decade ago started the voluntary project to save Brunel’s Swivel Bridge in Bristol.