Description and History of Site:-
The design of the Whorlton suspension over the Tees was by John Green, Architect and Engineer of Newcastle. The chains, of which there are four, are constructed from a series of wrought iron links or bars connected together by bolts through eyes forged at their extremities. Each chain consists of pairs of 75mm by 25mm bars 2.92m long. They were made at the Gospel Ironworks in Staffordshire and were delivered by sea via Stockton. The timber deck is hung from the chains that span the 55.78m that separates the towers. Behind the towers the chains descend at 45 to the anchorages below the road.

Atkinson (1974): 'Built 1829-31 by John Green (Newcastle architect and civil engineer), this has a span of 173ft and is about 30ft above water level, with original chains and piers.'

Falconer (1980): 'An early suspension bridge over the River Tees below Barnard Castle. Built by Newcastle architect/civil engineer John Green in 1829-31, it has a span of 173 ft and carries a minor road 30 ft above the river.' Opened on 7 July 1831 this was the second attempt to build a bridge at this location; the first attempt a masonry bridge was destroyed by flood whilst under construction. Although strengthened early this century it is said to be the only vehicular suspension bridge still in use in the country supported entirely by its original chains. Toll collection ceased about 1914. The bridge now has a 3 tonne weight limit.

Further Reading and References:-
Jervoise, E. 'The ancient bridges of the north of England'. Architectural Press, 1931; reprinted by E. P. Publishing, 1973
Atkinson, Frank. 'The Industrial Archaeology of North-East England'. David & Charles, 1974
Falconer, Keith. 'Guide to England's Industrial Heritage'. Batsford, 1980
Morris, C H. 'Bridges over the Tees'. Research Report No 7. Cleveland Industrial Archaeology Society. 2000.

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Key Words :- river suspension bridge road

Viewing the Site :- Can be viewed from the public road or footpath (Teesdale Way)

Address :- Whorlton, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 8XF
Grid Ref :- NZ 10666 14563
Co-ordinates :- Lat 54.526242 , Long -1.836714
Local Authority :- Stockton on Tees Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - North Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II*
Historic England List No - 1322762,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1831 - current
Record Date :- 19 January 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © Charles Morris