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What are the dimensions of the Clifton Suspension Bridge? How was the Bridge built? What materials were used to construct the Bridge? How much did it cost to build the Bridge? Is it true that a Victorian lady survived a fall from the Bridge? Who do I speak to if I want to arrange to bunjee jump or abseil from the Bridge for charity ? When did the last aeroplane fly beneath the Bridge? How is the Bridge financed and operated ? What is the weight limit for vehicles? What is the anticipated life of the suspension chains? How do I get to the Clifton Suspension Bridge by public transport? What is the meaning of the Latin inscription 'Suspensa Vix Via Fit' which is at the top of the Leigh Woods pier ? How much is the toll to cross the Bridge ? Was anyone killed building the Bridge? How many light bulbs are used to illuminate the bridge at night ? Where can I park when I visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge ? What are the two grand houses at the Leigh Woods end of the Bridge? How do I get to the Bridge (Leigh Woods side BS8 3PA) from the SS Great Britain (BS1 6TY) ? and vice versa
What are the dimensions of the Clifton Suspension Bridge?
Total length, anchorage to anchorage 1,352 ft (414 m)
Total span, centre to centre of piers 702 ft (214 m)
Overall width 31 ft (9.5m)
Width, centre to centre of chains 20 ft (6.1 m)
Height (deck level above high water) 245 ft (76 m)
Height of piers, including capping 86 ft (26.2 m)
Height of saddles 73 ft (22.3 m)
Dip of chains 70 ft (21.3 m)
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How was the Bridge built?
Folklore says that a rope was taken across the gorge by kite, or even by bow and arrow ! The simple and much more likely event was that normal hemp ropes were taken down the side of the gorge, across the river by boat and pulled up the other side. These ropes were used to haul 6 wire ropes across the Gorge, which were secured at both ends and tightened. The wire ropes were planked across and bound with iron hoops, making a footway. 2 wire handrails made up the sides and at head height there was another wire along which ran a 'traveller', a light frame on wheels that carried each link of the chain out to the centre. As well as being a walkway the wire bridge acted as staging on which the chain rested as new links were added. The temporary bridge was anchored by ropes to the rocks below to provide stability in winds. When the first chain was complete the second was built on top, then the third. With the chains complete vertical suspension rods were fastened to the chains by the bolts that linked the chains together. Two huge girders run the full length of the Bridge, visible to us today as the division between the footway and the road. 2 long-jibbed cranes (one on each side) were used to move 5m sections into place where they could be attached to the suspension rods. Cross girders underneath formed a rigid structure. The floor of the roadway was then put in place using Baltic pine timber sleepers.
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What materials were used to construct the Bridge?
The chains and suspension rods are made of wrought iron.
The piers (towers) are built principally of local Pennant stone. The Leigh Woods (south) pier stands on an abutment of red sandstone. The Bridge deck is made of timber sleepers, 5 inches (12 cm) thick overlaid by planking 2 inches (5 cm) thick. Since 1897 the deck has been covered with asphalt.
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How much did it cost to build the Bridge?
The accepted figure used for the total final cost in 1864 was almost £100,000.
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Is it true that a Victorian lady survived a fall from the Bridge?
In 1885 following an argument with a boyfriend Sarah Ann Henley from Bristol threw herself from the Bridge. Beneath her billowing dress she was wearing crinoline petticoats which slowed and cushioned her fall - and she had a huge helping of good fortune ! She was injured but was pulled from the mud, eventually recovered, and died in 1948 at the grand old age of 84.
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Who do I speak to if I want to arrange to bunjee jump or abseil from the Bridge for charity ?
No-one ! Due to the many visitors constantly on the Bridge and for the safety of ALL its users and staff the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust refuses all such requests without exception. Local byelaws for the Bridge also make these activities illegal.
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When did the last aeroplane fly beneath the Bridge?
Until the 1930's daredevil pilots occasionally flew beneath the Bridge in bi-planes, after which the faster planes made it too dangerous. There are stories that Spitfires and others were flown underneath the Bridge during WW2 but such claims have not been substantiated. The last known fixed-wing flight beneath the Bridge was in 1957 when Flying Officer Crossley of 501 Squadron, R.A.F. flew a Vampire Jet at 450 mph from east to west under the Bridge (in spite of a ban against such escapades and against all safety regulations !). He crashed into the cliffs on the Leigh Woods (south) side and was killed instantly. A police helicopter flew beneath the Bridge in 1997 whilst conducting a search.
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How is the Bridge financed and operated ?
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is a non-profit-making registered charity set up under an Act of Parliament of 1952. The Trust's only source of revenue is the toll. It receives no funding from any other source such as grants from central or local government or from the national lottery.
There are 12 Trustees, who between them have a range of expertise, particularly in the field of engineering. 10 of them are local residents and 2 are representatives of Bristol City Council and North Somerset Council. The Bridgemaster, a fully qualified civil engineer, is responsible for the day to day running of the Bridge.
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What is the weight limit for vehicles?
Two and a half tons axle weight, or four tons gross weight; effectively only motor cars, personnel carriers and small goods vehicles may cross. The number of vehicles on the Bridge at any one time is effectively controlled by the toll barriers. There is a weighbridge in the road on both approaches to the Bridge.
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What is the anticipated life of the suspension chains?
The question is largely hypothetical! The Bridge is constantly checked for fatigue and corrosion, and maintained accordingly. Provided maintenance continues at the present level and loading is not exceeded beyond the design limit there is no reason why the chains should not last for centuries to come - certainly well beyond the lifetime of anyone reading this !
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How do I get to the Clifton Suspension Bridge by public transport?
From Bristol Temple Meads (BTM) railway station take a No 8 bus. They are timetabled to go every few minutes. (Do not take the 9 in this direction). The 8 route travels through the city centre. At the Centre Promenade the 8 bus stop is opposite the Hippodrome theatre, near the statue of Neptune. Get off the 8 bus at Clifton Village or at Christ Church, Clifton. The Bridge is a short level walk from either of these bus stops. Taxis are always available at BTM and on the Centre Promenade. To make the return journey from Clifton to the city centre or to BTM take the 9 from Clifton Village or Christ Church.
From Easter to September a City Sightseeing Open Top Bus service operates daily at frequent intervals. Use the stop at Clifton Village. (See also the link on our 'Links' page).
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What is the meaning of the Latin inscription 'Suspensa Vix Via Fit' which is at the top of the Leigh Woods pier ?
No literal translation makes any sense but freely translated it can be said to mean “A suspended way (or road) made with difficulty”.
The unknown author of the Bridge line has used the word ‘suspensa’ to give it relevance and the word ‘vix’, pronounced ‘vicks’ in the Latin pronunciation is probably a play on words with the name of William Vick who first left money in his will for building a bridge. Puns of this kind were once common.
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How much is the toll to cross the Bridge ?
The current cash toll for motor vehicles is 50p, payable with any silver coin except 5p (five pence). There are significant discounts for frequent users who can purchase crossing cards in advance (see the 'Crossing cards' page of this website).
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Act allows for a toll for pedestrians, cyclists and animals. This toll is currently 5p but it is not levied.
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Was anyone killed building the Bridge?
We know of only 2 deaths during construction. In 1867 William Barlow who was one of the contracting engineers for the completion of the Bridge 1862-64, reported to the Institution of Civil Engineers that there had been two deaths during construction. This is the only documented record of which we are aware. Who the two poor souls were and what the circumstances of their deaths were we do not know.
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How many light bulbs are used to illuminate the bridge at night ?
None ! The state-of-the-art illumination system on the Clifton Suspension Bridge was formally switched on at a ceremony on Saturday 8 April 2006, the eve of the 200th birthday of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The system comprises four elements:
Along the length of the chains from which the bridge is suspended are more than 3,000 one watt LEDs (light emitting diodes), in groups of three, each focussed on a small section of the chain and throwing into relief the giant nuts which connect the links;
Fluorescent tubes beneath the handrail illuminate the walkway and silhouette and emphasise the delicate design of the iron lattice running the length of the bridge;
Lamps concealed within the arches of the two piers at each end of the bridge, and in the spaces around the top, reinforce the three-dimensional aspects of the bridge. The two sides of each pier are washed with light, carefully directed and focussed to avoid the problems associated with urban glow.
Low powered lights concealed beneath each end of the Bridge deck gently downlight the abutments so that, when viewed from the north or south, the Bridge no longer appears to 'float' above the Avon Gorge but can be seen to be connected to the structures which support it.
The illumination system normally uses no more electricity than a detached house with its domestic appliances switched on.
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Where can I park when I visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge ?
There is a link to a map from the 'Contact Us' page of this website. If you have a 'sat-nav' the following postcodes may help:
Clifton - BS8 4BW Leigh Woods - BS8 3PA
CLIFTON - was mostly developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, in the days of the horse and cart. It is rich in heritage with a great deal of attractive architecture and pleasant shops. The result is that the area is popular and congested. There are no formal car parks in Clifton village, and there are double yellow lines (= 'No Parking at any time') on the approach to the Bridge in Suspension Bridge Road. 'On-street' parking is available in Clifton but it is not always easy to find a parking space. You are advised to park within the law - parking regulations are enforced by the City Council and a 'Towaway' scheme is in operation. There is one 'Disabled' parking space next to the toll booth.
LEIGH WOODS - parking 'on-street' is easier on this side of the Bridge, and there are fewer formal restrictions. However visitors are kindly requested to park with consideration to our neighbours (eg please do not park on the footpath or block driveways). There is another 'Disabled' parking space next to the toll booth here. The temporary Visitor Information Point is located on this side of the Bridge.
See also the FAQ regarding public transport.
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What are the two grand houses at the Leigh Woods end of the Bridge?
'Burwalls', the red brick house, was constructed in Victorian Gothic style in 1872 for a businessman who sold it to the Wills family (of tobacco fame) in the 1890s. It remained a family home until it was donated to the University of Bristol in the late 1930s. The house was used for military purposes during WW2, since when it has been used by the university as a hall of residence, and more recently for training, conferences and events.
'Alpenfels' overlooks the Bridge and has the appearance of a large Swiss cottage. It too was constructed in the 1870s as a private home but is now divided into 4 apartments.
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How do I get to the Bridge (Leigh Woods side BS8 3PA) from the SS Great Britain (BS1 6TY) ? and vice versa
From the SSGB car park, come out of Gas Ferry Road and turn right (Cumberland Road). A river channel (the ‘New Cut’) is on your left.
Pass beneath a footbridge and drive up to a set of traffic lights. (Signposted “South West, A38, A37, A370").
Go straight ahead at the traffic lights to a 2nd set of traffic lights.
At the 2nd set of traffic lights turn left onto the dual carriageway (towards A370 Weston super Mare).
Ignore the 1st turning left (for Ashton & Bedminster).
Filter left into a lane with a park on your left. Care needed now !
At the end of the filter lane, filter right onto the road which passes beneath the dual carriageway you have just left. (Signposted A369 Portishead and U.W.E. Bower Ashton).
Follow U.W.E.Bower Ashton/A369 Portishead and take a right hand bend. A wall and a playing field behind it will be on your right.
At the end of the long straight and after the police mounted and dog facility on your right go up the hill (bends and trees).
Take the 1st turning right – up Burwalls Road.
At the crossroads at the top of Burwalls Road find somewhere to park ‘on-street’. Please park legally and with consideration to residents.
Directions to the SS Great Britain from the Clifton Suspension Bridge (Leigh Woods):
Turn left down Burwalls Road. At the bottom of Burwalls Road turn left onto the A369 and continue downhill.
The road levels out and you pass the Police Mounted and Dog Section and a playing field on the left. At the end of the straight road there is a sharp bend left.
At the roundabout keep left, go up the incline and join the A370 back towards the city centre.
Keep straight ahead – ignore the first filter lane to the left. View the Clifton Suspension Bridge down river to the left.
Take the next filter left. The road bends down to the right beneath the A370.
Take the right filter beneath the flyover.
Go up the incline to the traffic lights, and then continue straight ahead. You should see big square redbrick buildings, iron railings, a railway track and a river channel to your right.
Pass beneath an iron footbridge, and look for a stonemason’s yard on the corner to your left.
Turn left into Gas Ferry Road – to the SSGB car park (‘Pay and Display’).
Please also see the FAQs regarding parking and public transport
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