Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

Volume Eleven - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - some more aspects - All Change at Cogan Junction and Llandough Sidings . . .

1966 - Ely river bridge, Llandough sidings.

1966 - River Ely bridges. Note the Grangetown gas works gasometers to the distant right. The tower of Cardiff castle and that of the City Hall may be seen distant beyond the Victorian bridge. This photograph dates from May 1966.

New work, near Llandough sidings in preparation for the abolition of the single-line, 66-yard, bowstring bridge as seen on the left. British Railways removed the structure by crane on 27th January 1968. [922] [923] [924] [image reference : bpm00667]

The permanent railway bridge over the River Ely under construction. On the Penarth side of the original bridge a temporary timber viaduct 1,089 feet in length was built to connect the Llandough sidings. This construction presumably predated the opening of the Penarth Dock in May 1865 as it was utilised for the transportation of Radyr stone and most other construction items for the dock and associated infrastructure. An earthen embankment replaced this viaduct which was completed during 1871. The original timber bridge remained in use until a new bridge was constructed parallel to the original bridge which opened in September 1871. [008] The original of this photograph is held within the National Museum of Wales collections. [629] [Museum Reference : 70.102I/25]

The 'new' River Ely bridge with stone butresses is seen during construction with the original timber bridge to the rear.

The 'new' River Ely bow-string bridge, with stone buttresses, is seen during construction with the original bridge to the rear. A TVR engine brings materials and work temporally stops as the photographer captures the scene for posterity. The photographer is not known but it seems to have all the hallmarks of Mr. Collings and Company. A deviation of the railway to meet the Llandough sidings and main line to Penarth Dock some 28 chains long was also constructed and it was in operation by June 1883. [008] The original of this photograph is held within the National Museum of Wales collections. [629] [Museum Reference : 70.102I/24]

The contractor for the bow-string bridge was Edward Finch and Co., Limited, of Chepstow according to an obituary published within 'The Engineer' [015] during October 1916 for Mr. James Rowe whom was the managing director of the company.