Allington Swing Bridge
Allcannings, Wiltshire KAC48.25
KandAC mile 48
Foot bridge only; notice that since a couple of years ago, say 1998-99, swing bridges are tethered by a chain padlocked shut against idiots leaving them open for fun, and against being blown open by the wind.
The swing bridge is an accommodation bridge, 48 miles 25 chains from Reading, connecting farm fields.
The bridge is a modern steel replacement for an older style of wooden bridge. The hand rails are still wood and mimic the older design; the taller post is now decorative and non-functional. In the stone revetment are remains of ironwork stamped 'KAC'. Also in the stonework is an incised bench mark.
A neat rebuild.
Allington Swing Bridge from westward.
The bridge runs on ball bearings, large size. Warning - ball bearings like these come in as enquiries well pitted and rusted, I have heard a novice curator identifying them as cannon balls.
It has been suggested that John Rennie, the canal's engineer, invented the ball race. Even if this is untrue he was one of the earliest to use ball bearings. The machined balls were contained in grooves in turned castings, one on the ground and one on the swing bridge.
Allington is to the north of the canal; no shops, no pub, perhaps a telephone box.

Kennet and Avon Scrapbook 2000