Swing Bridge, Newcastle (1873-76) designed by William George Armstrong (1850-1925). Photograph and text by Jacqueline Banerjee [This image may be used without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose.]
Armstrong's bridge rests on granite piers formed by concrete-filled cast-iron cylinders. It has six spans, two over water. The two centre spans swing open, powered by hydraulic engines. The bridge still opens for boats about four times a week.
The swing bridge looks modest and diminutive here between the Tyne Bridge of 1928 and the Stephenson High-Level Bridge of 1846-49 (currently covered during restoration work). But it was revolutionary at the time, and usefully replaced the old Tyne Bridge which had become “an intolerable obstacle" (Hearnshaw 119). Armstrong was also responsible for the original mechanism which raised London’s Tower Bridge, and which was only replaced in1974.
Related Web Materials
- Plaque from the Armstrong Memorial showing both the swing bridge and Stephenson's High-Level Bridge
- William George Armstrong, a biographical introduction
Last modified 21 July 2007