The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the
beautiful Avon Gorge, is the symbol of the city of Bristol.
For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted
visitors from all over the world. Its story began in 1754 with
the dream of a Bristol wine merchant who left a legacy to build
a bridge over the Gorge.
The first competition in 1829 was judged by Thomas Telford,
the leading civil engineer of the day. Telford rejected all
the designs and submitted his own but the decision to declare
him the winner was unpopular and a second competition was held
in 1830. 24 year old Isambard Kingdom Brunel was eventually
declared the winner and appointed project engineer – his
first major commission.
The foundation stone was
laid in 1831 but the project was dogged with political
and financial difficulties and by 1843, with only the
towers completed, the project was abandoned.
Brunel died prematurely aged 53 yrs
in 1859 but the Bridge was completed as his memorial
and finally opened in 1864. Designed in the early 19th
century for light horse drawn traffic it still meets
the demands of 21st century commuter traffic with 11-12,000
motor vehicles crossing it every day.
An Interpretation Centre is situated at the Leigh Woods end of the bridge. It contains information and
images of the plans in the competition, the construction and completion of the bridge, and how it is maintained today.
Books, postcards and souvenirs are on sale. Open 10am - 5pm daily throughout the year.
