From page 12 of
Industrial Archaeology News, Spring 2014 The Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society is attempting to assess the significance of an iron footbridge in Langport of unusual construction which spans a roadway between the A378 and the entrance to the former Railway Hotel. It comprises two sections which swing and close together and the operating mechanism consists of a manual winch with primitive gearing. There is no discernable foundry mark. The photographs show the bridge in the open and closed positions.
Also in
Graces GuideThis curious little bridge was constructed to cross an access road separating the former Railway Hotel from the pavement alongside the A378 road.
The access road was originally the turnpike road, but in the 1850s the road had to be offset and elevated to cross the new Bristol and Exeter Railway line between Taunton and Yeovil.
The Railway Hotel was built in 1906 on the site of a thatched pub which burnt down. It was decided to have the hotel entrance on the first floor, which was slightly higher than the pavement of the elevated road.
A fixed bridge would not have allowed sufficient headroom for vehicles on the access road, so a moveable bridge was called for. The solution was most unusual. ...
(Continues)
Click on the map to explore geographics
