Description and History of Site:-
The original Winch Bridge (or Wynch Bridge) was an early suspension bridge over the River Tees. It was built by local lead miners using hand forged wrought iron chains. A date of 1741 is generally accepted as the date of its construction. It had two main chains suspended 18.1m between the banks with anchored to the rock wooden planks were laid directly on the main chains to form the footway. It had a handrail on one side only. A replacement bridge was erected in 1830 with a span of 21.34m and has suspension chains formed from 32mm diameter wrought iron eye bars connected end to end by bolted couplings. The chains pass over cast iron columns and then down to anchorages in each bank. The 0.83m wide timber deck is hung from the suspension chains by 19mm diameter hangers connected to the chains at the couplings. The bridge was strengthened in 1992 by the installation of rock anchors to provide stronger anchorages for the suspension chains.

Further Reading and References:-
Morris, C H. Bridges over the Tees. Research Report no. 7. Cleveland Industrial Archaeology Society, 2000.
Jervoise, E. The ancient bridges of the north of England. Architectural Press, 1931; reprinted by E. P. Publishing, 1973.

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Key Words :- River Tees footbridge

Viewing the Site :- Site only can be viewed from the footpath and Pennine Way

Address :- B6277, Bowlees, Barnard Castle, Durham, CA9 3HF
Grid Ref :- NY 9038 2790
Co-ordinates :- Lat 54.646115 , Long -2.150590
Local Authority :- Durham County Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - North Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II*
Historic England List No - 1121562,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1741 - current
Record Date :- 19 January 2016

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