The architecture of British Bridges

During the Industrial Revolution, Britain was at the forefront of bridge innovation. Pioneering designers such as George and Robert Stephenson, Thomas Telford and Isambard Kingdom Brunel created Britain’s rich bridge heritage that features many world firsts and we can learn much from their ground-breaking designs.

Written by an experienced bridge architect, this book introduces the importance of aesthetic consideration in the design of bridges and the value of learning from the past. A selection of over 250 photographs and illustrations outlines the evolution of British bridges and highlights the significance of key architectural examples that will be appreciated by both experts and students. Organised by construction material, the story begins with ancient stone clappers,

medieval packhorse and masonic arches, and then traces bridge development in timber, brick, iron and steel. The middle section looks at the evolution of suspension and cable stay bridges, reinforced and pre-stressed concrete bridges and viaducts. The final part deals with the often neglected topics of bridge parapets and bridge lighting.