Penarth Dock Swing Bridge :

above - A photograph (with enlargement) taken only 30 years or so after the dawn of photography. This one dates from c.1865 and was found within the the Glamorgan Archives. It shows a swing bridge in place in the lock between the basin and main dock just prior to the opening of the dock in May 1865. The design is by Messrs. Hawkshaw & Dobson Engineers whom commissioned J. Collings of Cardiff to take a series of photographs as record of their work ; this was number 14. Note the double, tapered, side elevation of the bridge. [599] [Archive Ref: DXPD-6-14] [20170831]

below - A c.1950 view of the same location but with a different bridge in its place. I believe the riveted construction is typical of techniques used in bridge building from the 1880's, hence, may I suggest it is probable that the Mr Hawkshaw's 1865 wrought-iron bridge was replaced after c.1905 based upon the photograph below. [001] Note that the side elevation is parallel and not tapered as the 1865 bridge, also the vertical ribs seem to be at closer centre distances than the older bridge.

An enlarged section of a photograph held at the Glamorgan Archives which shows the swing bridge in place across the lock. It appears that this is the original 1865 bridge given the spacing of ribs of the bridge supports. The date of this photograph is after 1900 and prior to 1905 based upon the coal tips indicated in the main photograph - click here to view. [599] [archive ref : DXGC-168-1] [20171006]

A view aft through the shrouds of the tall ship 'Pamir' with the swing bridge just peeping out from behind the quonson huts. The date is 1950 and is an enlargement of a photograph from Volume 8 - Chapter 9 - Passat & Pamir at Penarth Dock - A Photo Album - 1948 - 1951. [001] [20171013]