The idea of a bridge was first conceived by Willian Vick, who bequeathed to
the Merchant Venturers in 1753 £1000, which was to accumulate to £10,000, and
then a stone bridge was to be erected, to join Clifton to the Leigh Woods side.
It was not until the year 1830 that application to Parliament was made for
powers to construct this bridge, and not until six years later, in August 1836, that the
foundation of the Leigh Woods abutment was laid. This was completed about four years
later, and the Clifton side masonry was then commenced. Over £40,000 had now been
spent in the mere construction of these abutments, and no furhter funds being forth-
coming, the work had to be abandoned,
In 1861 however the present Suspension Bridge Company was formed, and the
work again proceeded with ; so that in December, 1864, the bridge was opened with
great rejoicing, the Lord Lieutenant of the County, the Bishop of the Diocese, the
Mayor and other Corporate officials, &c, taking part in the proceedings,
The floor is 245 feet above high water mark ; the suspension chains are securely
imbedded in the sold rock on each side some 70 feet underground ; 4,200 links compose
its chain - each link 24 feet long, 7 inches across, and one inch in thickness ; the
suspension rods are 162 in number, varying in length from 60 feet to 3 feet, and 15/8 in.
in diameter. The weight of the bridge is about 1,500 tons, and the cost reached
about £100,000.
