SAD news last week for one of the region’s historic landmarks: the wonder of Whorlton has been closed to walkers and cyclists, as well as cars, due to safety fears. Whorlton suspension bridge over the Tees is a great survivor – it is almost to suspension bridges what Locomotion No 1 is to railways. It was built in the earliest days of its era when other bridges all around it were collapsing. It is a testament to the brave faith of the villagers and investors and now, 189 years later, it is the UK s oldest road suspension bridge with its deck supported by its original iron chains, and it is the UK s earliest surviving iron chained suspension bridge with pylons at each end.
SAD news this week for one of the region’s historic landmarks: the wonder of Whorlton has been closed to walkers and cyclists, as well as cars, due to safety fears. Whorlton suspension bridge over the Tees is a great survivor – it is almost to suspension bridges what Locomotion No 1 is to railways. It was built in the earliest days of its era when other bridges all around it were collapsing. It is a testament to the brave faith of the villagers and investors and now, 189 years later, it is the UK s oldest road suspension bridge with its deck supported by its original iron chains, and it is the UK s earliest surviving iron chained suspension bridge with pylons at each end.