Tom Baldwin
08-02-2007, 04:22 PM
This is a discussion thread for the following file:<br><br><b><a href=http://www.gearthhacks.com/dlfile26336/Causey-Arch---the-oldest-railroad-bridge-in-the-world.htm>Causey Arch - the oldest railroad bridge in the world</a></b><br><br>The Causey Arch is a bridge near Stanley in County Durham. It is the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge.<br />
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It was built in 1725-26 by architect Ralph Wood, funded by a conglomeration of coal-owners known as the "Grand Allies" (founded by Colonel Liddell and the Hon. Charles Montague). Two tracks crossed the Arch — one to take coal to the River Tyne, and the other for the returning empty wagons. Over nine hundred horse-drawn wagons crossed the arch each day using the Tanfield Railway.<br />
<br />
Wood was haunted by the collapse of his earlier timber bridge. Fearing that the Arch would collapse, he committed suicide by jumping from the top of it.<br />
<br />
Use of the Arch declined when Tanfield Colliery was destroyed by fire in 1739.<br />
<br />
The Arch was restored and reinforced in the 1980s. There are a series of scenic public paths around the area and the Causey Burn which runs underneath it. The cliffs near the bridge are a popular spot for local rock climbers.<br />
<br />
Causey Burn itself flows into Beamish Burn which then flows into the River Team eventually discharging into the River Tyne<br />
<br />
http://www.dmm.org.uk/archives/a_caus01.htm<br><br><img src=http://www.gearthhacks.com/images/new/080505/353770arch.jpg>
<br />
It was built in 1725-26 by architect Ralph Wood, funded by a conglomeration of coal-owners known as the "Grand Allies" (founded by Colonel Liddell and the Hon. Charles Montague). Two tracks crossed the Arch — one to take coal to the River Tyne, and the other for the returning empty wagons. Over nine hundred horse-drawn wagons crossed the arch each day using the Tanfield Railway.<br />
<br />
Wood was haunted by the collapse of his earlier timber bridge. Fearing that the Arch would collapse, he committed suicide by jumping from the top of it.<br />
<br />
Use of the Arch declined when Tanfield Colliery was destroyed by fire in 1739.<br />
<br />
The Arch was restored and reinforced in the 1980s. There are a series of scenic public paths around the area and the Causey Burn which runs underneath it. The cliffs near the bridge are a popular spot for local rock climbers.<br />
<br />
Causey Burn itself flows into Beamish Burn which then flows into the River Team eventually discharging into the River Tyne<br />
<br />
http://www.dmm.org.uk/archives/a_caus01.htm<br><br><img src=http://www.gearthhacks.com/images/new/080505/353770arch.jpg>