History and picture of Haven Bridge

I note the Haven Bridge is being closed at night for repairs and maintenance. I thought your readers might be interested in the history and a picture of the bridge being opened by the Prince of Wales in 1930.

The ribbon attached to the picture is the one cut by His Royal Highness to open the New Bridge. Contracts to build were given to Messrs Sir Williams Annall and Co Ltd in 1926.

When work started, the water way was widened to allow passage of boats during building work.

The work included sinking cassions made of steel and made in Glasgow. The contractors inspected, marked and then dismantled them before sending to Yarmouth. They were 100ft long, 28ft wide and 32ft deep weighing in at 200 tons. The cast iron lining was 650 tons, each balancing leaf requires 250 tons of ballast and was made of Aberdeen granite The total cost of the bridge was £300,000.

His Royal Highness left to inspect the fishing fleet and then went to the town hall for tea with the mayor and mayoress.

LINDA HOWKINS

Hoveton