on communication

establish secure
opposite pillars connect
up line and down line

~

n.b. Reedham’s swing bridge rail crossing, was originally built in the 1840s. The current swing bridge dates from 1903. The low-lying land is home to the heavily tidal, final meandering stretch of the river Yar, that connects the ancient port of Great Yarmouth, (with its Minster), to the Norman cathedral city of Norwich.

The heavy commercial traffic of masted sail boats, particularly of the wherry design, had to be allowed free traffic between the two wealthy settlements, when the railways arrived.

Norwich was an important industrial base, but its goods needed carrying to the port at Yarmouth for distribution to London, Europe and beyond. When the railway was built, establishing a more frequent transport mode, the swing bridge was designed to respect the ancient passage of the river trade.

In West Sussex, at around the same time, the river Arun was crossed by a fixed railway bridge, resulting in the demise of the port at Arundel. This could not be allowed to happen to Norwich, given its industry and wealth, so the swing bridge was designed. 

Reedham’s swing bridge still opens on request, to allow sailing boats, or large river cruisers across the line of the railway. 

CLP 23/08/2024