“Unfortunately for Mr. Brunel, Mr. Telford was of opinion that the maximum span admissible was that of the Menai Bridge, i.e. under 600 feet, and that Mr. Brunel’s proposed bridge, though very pretty and ingenious, would most certainly tumble down in a high wind.”
This statement on the Clifton Suspension Bridge competition of 1829 was published by Isambard Brunel Jnr. in his 1870 biography of his father, I.K. Brunel. It is a statement that has been followed by every subsequent biographer. However, on examining the archives at the Bristol Record Office and at the Brunel Institute, it emerged quite soon that this statement was entirely mendacious.
Apart from the fact that it failed to take into account the context of suspension bridge development at the time of the Clifton Suspension Bridge competition, it casts an unjustifiable slur on the reputation of Thomas Telford in order to promote the genius of the young I.K.B. This paper will describe the true story of the bridge competition, show the entries of the other competitors, and look at earlier suspension bridges. It will also consider the subsequent history of the Clifton Bridge once Brunel got the job and its eventual completion to a different design by William Henry Barlow and Sir John Hawkshaw in 1864, five years after his death.
Catering
Tea and coffee will be served at registration for the meeting, at no charge to members.
Following the meeting a hot and cold selection buffet lunch will be offered. The cost is £14 per person and £4 for a dessert.
If you do not wish to pay by BACS we will accept cash on the day but please bring the exact money.
If you book lunch but later you find that you are unable to attend, provided that you notify the Hon Sec not less than two working days beforehand you will not be charged. If you cancel after that we will always endeavour to make an adjustment with the venue so that you may not have to pay, but we reserve the right to request reimbursement from you if that isn’t possible.
Covid Precautions
The hotel is and expects to remain a “covid secure” venue. Although social distancing is no longer required, strict hygiene arrangements including the provision of hand sanitisers are in place. Our room is spacious and additional ventilation if needed can be realised through the conservatory and its doors opening out onto hotel grounds. Face coverings will not be mandatory.
Booking
If you wish to attend this meeting, please advise the Hon Secretary no later than 11am on Thursday, November 4, giving the information on the form below, either by e-mail to [email protected], or by post to: Frank O’Dwyer, 17, Netherley Brow, OSSETT, WF5 0DH.
Note: RICE meetings are open to all members of ICE and to members of other organisations with whom the ICE has a reciprocal arrangement, such as IET and IMechE. Additionally, RICE members may invite a guest to a RICE ordinary meeting, two times in a year.
**Please note we also hope to offer this event virtually- if this is possible the link will be forwarded**
10.30: Registration, coffee & tea service
11.00: Chair’s Opening remarks and notices
11.05: Presentation by Julia Elton, followed by questions and discussion
12.30: Bar open and buffet lunch service
