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Brimslade Bridge |
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Savernake, Wiltshire KAC38.16 |
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KandAC mile 38
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The bridge is a brick built accommodation bridge, 38 miles 16 chains
from Reading, it carries a farm track from Brimslade Farm on the north
side to fields on the south.
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headroom |
11ft0ins |
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depth of water |
6ft9ins |
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Weight restriction sign at Brimslade Bridge.
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NOTICE / This / BRIDGE / Is insufficient to carry a / HEAVY MOTOR CAR
/ The Registered Axle-Weights or [ ] / Axles of which exceed in [ ] /
SIX TONS / or a Heavy Motor Car [ ] / TRAILER / if [ Reg]istered
Axle-Weight of the several [ ] / HEAVY MOTOR CAR ar[e ] /
[Axle]-Weights of the sever[ ] / TRAILER / Exceed in [ ] / [ ] / GREAT
WESTE[ ] / PADDING[ ] / LONDON
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A heavy motor car is not what we know as a motor car today, they refer
to things like traction engines! Many of these signs have disappeared,
stolen by collectors who often to manage to break the brittle cast
iron when removing them. The support pole is usually a length of
bullhead rail.
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The batter of the walls and its gentle curve both resist the pressure
of the bridge structure, as the arch itself resists the load above.
These sturdy bridges designed by John Rennie are lasting well.
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The farmhouse south of the bridge is older than it appears; parts date
from the 16th century. It was the seat of Sir Edward Ernle. An avenue
of oaks trees in his parkland can be seen on rising ground beyond the
house.
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The stop groove built into Brimslade Bridge has to have a recess to
manoeuvre the heavy stop planks into position.
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Cadley Bridge from westward. The two mooring bollards are to tie up
your boat while waiting to enter the lock above.
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Kennet and Avon Scrapbook 2000
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