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The Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Work on the bridge began in 1831, but the project was dogged with political and financial difficulties, and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned.

Brunel died aged only 53 in 1859, but the Clifton Suspension Bridge was completed as his memorial.

Designed in the early 19th century for light horse drawn traffic, it still meets the demands of 21st century commuter with 11-12,000 vehicles crossing it every day.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge’s spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge has made it the defining symbol of Bristol, drawing thousands of visitors a year.

The idea of building a bridge across the Avon Gorge originated in 1753.

A competition was held in 1829 to design the bridge, but none of the ideas submitted were successful either because of their appearance or cost.

A second competition followed in 1831. Isambard Kingdom Brunel was among the 13 entrants and his design won – a suspension bridge with Egyptian-influenced towers.

However, financial difficulties and contractual disagreements led to long delays in its construction and it was left for decades unfinished.

When Brunel died in 1859, the bridge was still not completed.

His colleagues in the Institution of Civil Engineers felt that completion of the Bridge would be a fitting memorial to Brunel, and started to raise new funds to complete it.

As Brunel's Hungerford suspension bridge, over the Thames was being demolished at the time, its chains were bought to use at Clifton.

The bridge spans 214 metres between its two 26 metre high towers and stands 76 metres above the high water mark in the Avon river gorge..

Modern computer analysis has revealed that in his design of the crucial joints between the 4,200 links that make up the bridge’s chain, Brunel had made an almost perfect calculation of the minimal weight required to maintain maximum strength.

Although built for pedestrian and horse drawn traffic, the bridge was so ingeniously constructed that it is now capable of carrying millions cars a year.

Recently it was discovered that the bridge’s abutments contain a honeycomb of chambers and tunnels, some of which are 11 metres high.

It is thought that these spectacular vaults reduced the cost of construction without reducing strength.

Discovery Of The Leigh Woods Vaults

20 years ago, a major discovery was made at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Contractors found secret vaults hidden below the iconic structure designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

In 2002, twelve vaulted chambers up to 36 feet deep were discovered within the Leigh Woods abutment, a massive 33.5 m high, stonework structure which rises from the rock of the Avon Gorge to support the bridge tower.

The abutment was built between 1836 and 1840 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel; the first part of the bridge to be constructed.

Now a platform has been installed in the largest and most significant of 12 stone chambers – an echo chamber, 11m high, full of stalactites.

It means visitors can see the spectacle for themselves.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806–1859) was a pioneering British engineer known for his revolutionary contributions to the fields of civil engineering and mechanical engineering during the 19th century.

He was born on April 9, 1806, in Portsmouth into a family deeply involved in engineering and construction.

Brunel's impact on engineering is immense, and he is perhaps best known for his work on railways, bridges, and ships.

Some of his most notable achievements include:

Railways: Brunel was instrumental in the development of the Great Western Railway (GWR) in England, which connected London to the southwest of England, including Bristol and Exeter.

He designed numerous viaducts, tunnels, and bridges along this route, employing innovative techniques to overcome engineering challenges.

Bridges: Brunel designed several iconic bridges, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, England.

Although he did not live to see its completion, his design was eventually realized and stands as a testament to his engineering prowess.

Ships: Brunel was involved in the design and construction of numerous groundbreaking ships, most notably the SS Great Western, the SS Great Britain, and the SS Great Eastern.

The latter, in particular, was a marvel of engineering for its time, being the largest ship ever built when it was launched in 1858.

Tunnels: Brunel oversaw the construction of the Thames Tunnel, which was the first tunnel ever built beneath a navigable river.

It was a significant engineering feat and demonstrated Brunel's ability to tackle complex challenges.

Someone who recently visited this bridge said: “Great guide gave us plenty of information and background to the bridge, Bristol and Brunel.

”The views are spectacular alone but learning so much made for a memorable afternoon. There is no charge but we like everyone in our group of about 15, gave a donation.”

Another person added: “One of the great landmarks this country has to offer. Wonderful views from the bridge itself, an amazing structure.

”There is also a decent coffee place at one end and a coffee van at the other so you can have a drink and a snack after visiting the bridge.”

Check out more photos below via the Clifton Suspension Bridge Facebook page:

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