OS1/29/28/159
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHAIN BRIDGE [Gattonside] | Chain Bridge Chain Bridge Chain Bridge Chain Bridge Chain Bridge |
James Curle Esqr Allan Freer Esqr T. J. Dunn Esqr Revd [Reverend] William Murray John Smith Esq |
008.01 | This bridge Crosses the Tweed, north of the Town of "Melrose", And forms A Communication between it, And the village of "Gattonside". It is a very handsome Structure; And was finished in 1826. It forms altogether a new And interesting feature in the Scenery of the vale of Melrose. It is chiefly intended for foot passengers, Although it is calculated to admit horses. The Span, or distance, between the centres of the pillars is 300 feet, And the depth of the Arch is 17 feet. The roadway is 4 1/2 feet wide And at the Centre is elevated 19 feet above the Surface of the water at its lowest State, And fully 8 feet above the level of the highest floods. The roadway is of wood, And rises three feet from the Sides to the centre, in the form of an Arch, which harmonizes well with the reverse curves of the chains hanging from above. The Suspension pillars are of hewn Stone, 38 feet in height Above low water; And 24 feet above the roadway. The Circumference of the pillars for 14 feet from the base is 35 feet, after which they gradually taper to the top, And finishes with a neat embattlement. There are Gothic doors through each of the pillars 12 feet high. And 4 1/2 feet wide. There Are 4 Suspending Chains - which are passed through the pillars near the top And Are Secured in the ground at each end by heavy mason work - The bridge is Suspended from these chains by a mulipticity of perpendicular rods, And the passage along the bridge is Secured by a light iron rail - At the South end is a house for the person who receives the pontage. which is one halfpenny for Crossing & returning - [same day] |
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 159Parish of Melrose -- Sheet 8-1 Trace. 5
John McCabe
[Note] -- Vide Bower's Hist. [History] of Melrose Pages 108 & 109 -
Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
Moira L- Moderator, ElaineF
Location information for this page.
There are no linked mapsheets.