The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge and the River Avon, connecting Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset. Since its opening in 1864, it has been a toll bridge, and the revenue is used to fund its maintenance. The bridge was designed by William Henry Barlow and John Hawkshaw, based on an earlier design by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It is also a Grade I listed building and forms part of the B3129 road.
The idea of building a bridge across the Avon Gorge began in 1753. Initial plans called for a stone bridge, with later versions contemplating a wrought-iron structure. An attempt to construct Brunel's design in 1831 was halted by the Bristol Riots, and a revised design was finally completed in 1864, after his death. Although the bridge is similar in size and design, the Clifton tower features side cut-outs, while the Leigh tower has a more pointed arch over an abutment clad in red sandstone, standing 110 feet (34 meters) tall. "Saddles" mounted on rollers atop each tower allow for the movement of the three independent wrought-iron chains on each side as traffic passes over the bridge. The bridge deck is suspended by 81 pairs of matching vertical wrought-iron rods.
The Clifton Bridge Company initially managed the bridge under a charitable trust's license. The trust later purchased the company's shares, which was completed in 1949, and took over the operation of the bridge, using the tolls for maintenance. The bridge is used as an icon of Bristol and is a characteristic landmark seen on postcards, promotional materials, and informational websites. It has also been used as the backdrop for several films, television advertisements, and programs. Furthermore, it has served as the venue for significant cultural events, including the first modern bungee jump in 1979, the final Concorde flight (which flew over the bridge) in 2003, and the handover of the Olympic Torch Relay in 2012.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
公用語
英語
通貨
UKポンド(GBP)
首都
ロンドン
面積Area
244,820 ㎢
人口Population
約 7000万 人
国コードISO code
GB / GBR / 826
国際電話Calling code
+44
イギリスは北西ヨーロッパに位置し、島国特有の温暖で変わりやすい気候が特徴である。伝統と革新が共存し、文学・音楽・デザインなどで世界に大きな影響を与えてきた。立憲君主制のもと政治・法制度が整備され、金融・教育・創造産業を中心に高い経済力を持つ。地域ごとに独自の文化やアイデンティティが根強く残る国である。The United Kingdom is located in Northwest Europe and is characterized by a mild and changeable climate typical of an island nation. Tradition and innovation coexist, and the country has significantly influenced the world through its literature, music, and design. Under a constitutional monarchy, its political and legal systems are well-established, and it possesses high economic power centered on finance, education, and the creative industries. It is a country where distinct cultures and identities remain deeply rooted in each region.
イギリスは北西ヨーロッパに位置し、島国特有の温暖で変わりやすい気候が特徴である。伝統と革新が共存し、文学・音楽・デザインなどで世界に大きな影響を与えてきた。立憲君主制のもと政治・法制度が整備され、金融・教育・創造産業を中心に高い経済力を持つ。地域ごとに独自の文化やアイデンティティが根強く残る国である。The United Kingdom is located in Northwest Europe and is characterized by a mild and changeable climate typical of an island nation. Tradition and innovation coexist, and the country has significantly influenced the world through its literature, music, and design. Under a constitutional monarchy, its political and legal systems are well-established, and it possesses high economic power centered on finance, education, and the creative industries. It is a country where distinct cultures and identities remain deeply rooted in each region.