Perth Bridge
Encyclopedia
Perth Bridge is a toll-free bridge
in the town of Perth, Scotland
. It spans the River Tay
, connecting Perth, on the eastern side of the river, to Bridgend, on its western side, carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of West Bridge Street (the A85
).
The bridge was completed in October 1771, which places it in the Georgian era
; however, its plaque states the year in which construction began, 1766, as its "built" date. The engineer of its construction was John Smeaton
, for whom the bridge is named.
Funded by the Earl of Kinnoull
, the government, and public subscription, the bridge was put to the test three years after its completion. In February 1774, during a quick thaw, broken ice became wedged under the arches and created a natural dam
. Large sections of Perth, including both of its Inches, were flooded. The bridge, however, stood firm. It has survived many subsequent floods, and marks documenting these levels are visible on one of its pier
s.
An increase in traffic resulted in the bridge being widened in 1869 by A.D. Stewart. Its stone parapet
s were removed, and footpaths projected over iron brackets.
Bridge
A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles such as a body of water, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle...
in the town of Perth, Scotland
Perth, Scotland
Perth is a town and former city and royal burgh in central Scotland. Located on the banks of the River Tay, it is the administrative centre of Perth and Kinross council area and the historic county town of Perthshire...
. It spans the River Tay
River Tay
The River Tay is the longest river in Scotland and the seventh-longest in the United Kingdom. The Tay originates in western Scotland on the slopes of Ben Lui , then flows easterly across the Highlands, through Loch Dochhart, Loch Lubhair and Loch Tay, then continues east through Strathtay , in...
, connecting Perth, on the eastern side of the river, to Bridgend, on its western side, carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of West Bridge Street (the A85
A85 road
The A85 is a major road in Scotland. It runs east from Oban along the south bank of Loch Etive, through Lochawe and Tyndrum, Crianlarich, Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Crieff before passing through Perth, where it crosses the River Tay via Perth Bridge. Its name between the latter two locations is...
).
The bridge was completed in October 1771, which places it in the Georgian era
Georgian era
The Georgian era is a period of British history which takes its name from, and is normally defined as spanning the reigns of, the first four Hanoverian kings of Great Britain : George I, George II, George III and George IV...
; however, its plaque states the year in which construction began, 1766, as its "built" date. The engineer of its construction was John Smeaton
John Smeaton
John Smeaton, FRS, was an English civil engineer responsible for the design of bridges, canals, harbours and lighthouses. He was also a capable mechanical engineer and an eminent physicist...
, for whom the bridge is named.
Funded by the Earl of Kinnoull
Earl of Kinnoull
Earl of Kinnoull is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created in 1633 for George Hay, 1st Viscount of Dupplin. Other associated titles are: Viscount Dupplin , Lord Hay of Kinfauns and Baron Hay of Pedwardine . The former two are in the Peerage of Scotland, while the last is in the Peerage...
, the government, and public subscription, the bridge was put to the test three years after its completion. In February 1774, during a quick thaw, broken ice became wedged under the arches and created a natural dam
Dam
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions. Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are...
. Large sections of Perth, including both of its Inches, were flooded. The bridge, however, stood firm. It has survived many subsequent floods, and marks documenting these levels are visible on one of its pier
Pier (architecture)
In architecture, a pier is an upright support for a superstructure, such as an arch or bridge. Sections of wall between openings function as piers. The simplest cross section of the pier is square, or rectangular, although other shapes are also common, such as the richly articulated piers of Donato...
s.
An increase in traffic resulted in the bridge being widened in 1869 by A.D. Stewart. Its stone parapet
Parapet
A parapet is a wall-like barrier at the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony or other structure. Where extending above a roof, it may simply be the portion of an exterior wall that continues above the line of the roof surface, or may be a continuation of a vertical feature beneath the roof such as a...
s were removed, and footpaths projected over iron brackets.