Brunel’s ‘other bridge’ could swivel again

It is the “missing link” in a chain of four Brunel-designed works that also comprise the SS Great Britain, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Underfall sluices.

Now, that missing link – known as the Swivel Bridge or Brunel’s ‘other bridge’ – could also be restored and working again in time for the 180th anniversary of the opening of the bridge.

Opened in 1849, the innovative rotating bridge currently sits rusting and at risk of collapse next to the Cumberland Basin in the shadow of Plimsoll Bridge.

The Swivel Bridge is still able to swivel but hasn’t swivelled for many years – photo: Martin Booth

A £1m donation has enabled what the team of volunteers who care for the structure describe as a “once-in-a-lifetime chance to save the Swivel Bridge for future generations”.

Volunteers from Brunel Swivel Bridge Group hope that a restored bridge “will again become a proud asset to the city, completing the amazing chain of Brunel structures for which Bristol is famous worldwide”.

“Imagine this 75 tonnes iron and timber bridge swinging slowly towards you, sliding silently over the harbour, just as intended by Isambard Kingdom Brunel nearly two centuries ago…

“The bridge will be the much-needed focus and ‘wow factor’ for the Western Harbour, and will become a celebrated Brunel icon alongside the others in the city.”

The Swivel Bridge is the only abandoned Brunel structure in Bristol – photo: Martin Booth

The Swivel Bridge was designed to carry traffic over the new South Entrance Lock, also known as Brunel’s Lock, and became operational in October 1849.

In 1873, the bridge was shortened and relocated to its present position over the North Entrance Lock (Howard’s Lock) before it was decommissioned in 1968 after the construction of Plimsoll Bridge.

Isambard Brunel’s innovative rotating bridge was originally built to carry a road across his new Entrance Lock to Bristol’s docks – photo: Bristol Archives

The Swivel Bridge Group has been working to save the bridge since 2013 and has already secured support from Historic England, winning a recent fight to keep the bridge in its current location after the team at the SS Great Western wanted to move it to form part of their shelved plans for the Albion Dock.

But there is not much time for the ambitious plans to bring the Grade II*-listed bridge back to life to come to fruition.

The charity needs to agree a lease for the structure with Bristol City Council, raise another £1m and complete design work in order for the much-needed restoration work to start in 2027.

The Swivel Bridge is the oldest rotating bridge in the world and is older than the Clifton Suspension Bridge – photo: Martin Booth

In an email to supporters, Geoff Wallis, founder and secretary of the Brunel Swivel Bridge Group, said: “I am delighted to report good news!

“The Swivel Bridge Restoration Project has taken a giant leap forward with the establishment of a registered charity, and an offer of £1 million from a very generous benefactor.

“We are now raising the outstanding £1 million, and are aiming to have the Bridge in operation by 2029, 180 years after it was built…

“Thank you for your past support. It has been the basis of our current encouraging position, and will be vital to future success.”

Join Bristol24/7 Editor Martin Booth on a historical walking tour of the Old City and Castle Park. For more information and to book, visit www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners

Main photo: Martin Booth

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