The cast-iron Cantlop bridge, built in 1813, was part of an expanding network of bridges built to improve communication and trade in Shropshire.
Telford's cast-iron bridge
The single span bridge was built to an innovative design approved by the Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford. Unlike the bridge at Iron Bridge, built by Abraham Darby, Cantlop Bridge does not follow the design of a wooden bridge.
Telford recognised the strength of iron and engineered lighter frames that required less of this material. The structure was strong enough to support a flat deck without a central pier that could hinder navigation along the river.
Cantlop Bridge is the only Telford-approved cast-iron bridge remaining in situ in Shropshire. Cast-iron is a very durable material, but it is relatively weak in tension and is no longer considered suitable for road bridges.
The bridge has not been used by traffic since the 1970s when the adjacent concrete bridge was built.
Sources
Blackwall, A 1985. 'Historic Bridges of Shropshire', Shrewsbury: Shropshire Libraries
Burton, A 1999. 'Thomas Telford', London: Aurum Press
Sutherland, R J M 1997. 'Structural Iron, 1750–1850', Aldershot: Ashgate
Disclaimer
The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
