Volume Twelve - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - further aspects - The Bristol Channel District Guide - selected articles - [1934 Edition] . . . .

The famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, which is seen to advantage from the steamer, is an elegant structure of lace-like appearance, spanning the Avon Gorge at its most picturesque point.

In 1753 a Bristol wine merchant left £1,000 to be invested until the sum should be sufficient to erect a stone structure across the river. In 1830 the plans of Isambard K. Brunel, the great railway engineer, were accepted for an iron suspension bridge, to cost £57,000. The work proceeded with sundry delays, until in 1843, it came to an abrupt stoppage by the failure of the contractors. The ironwork was sold, and it was not until 1861 that interest was again aroused.

The present Company was then formed, and the Bridge was opened, amid great public rejoicing, on December 8th, 1864. In its construction the materials of the old Hungerford Suspension Bridge over the Thames were used.

Before the Bridge was erected a sensational amusement of the time was to make the journey from height to height across the Gorge in a basket, travelling on an iron bar!

The total length of the Bridge is 1,352 feet, and the span from pier to pier 702 feet ; width 30 feet, and a height from bed of the river about 290 feet. The Bridge is 1,500 tons in weight, and has an estimated strength of 7,000 tons. From first to last its cost exceeded £100,000. It is estimated that the Bridge will be made toll-free about the year 1944, a sinking fund being provided for the purpose.

Passing St. Vincent's Rocks, we have on the opposite bank Leigh Woods, with Nightingale Valley, a beautiful glen. At opposite points of the Valley, on the heights commanding the river, the ancient Britons had two camps - Bower Walls and Stokeleigh, only the latter now being traceable.

This sylvan' spot has been " the nursery of Art time out of mind ; scarce a gallery in the country is without some passages of this wood, some recollection of artists who have studied here before the great open book of Nature " ;  and yet it is within a few minutes of the crowed city, of busy docks, and of warehouses.

Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Melville Wills and the late Sir Geo. A. Wills, Bart., Nightingale Valley and the woods overhanging the river are now vested in the National Trust for the use and enjoyment of the public for ever.