Union Suspension Bridge, Horncliffe, Northumberland
This suspension bridge was built in 1819-20 by Capt. S. Brown. The roadway is suspended from 3 pairs of wrought-iron chains with elongated bars connected by bar links. This 'bar link' was the invention of Samuel Brown and was used here for the first time. When it was built this was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It was remarkable also for costing only £5,000 instead of an anticipated £20,000 for a stone bridge. It remains Britain's oldest suspension bridge in road use.
