The Tamar Bridges

The River Tamar forms a natural barrier, and in consequence boundary, between Cornwall and England. In medieval times it was easier to sail to London than to make the journey by road. Bridges gradually got built and in 1485 New Bridge (it's still called that!) at Gunnislake provided the southernmost crossing. It was not until 1961 that the Saltash ferry, the only direct vehicle access from Plymouth, was superceded by the suspension bridge on the right of the picture. However, capable Victorian engineering had already provided a southern rail crossing. The great engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, builder of the first real ocean liner, the Great Britain, completed his Royal Albert Bridge in 1859. Its height was dictated by the need for large naval vessels to pass underneath with 100 feet clearance at high tide. Its construction was revolutionary: its two massive spans were pre-fabricated, floated down the river on barges and jacked up into position. Brunel demonstrated his confidence by standing on each span end as it was jacked up. The bridge was opened by Prince Albert. Sadly Brunel died shortly after. There are two contrasting viewpoints - a high level car park on the Plymouth side and the waterfront (with pubs) on the Saltash side.

Royal Albert Rail Bridge and Tamar Road Bridge

The road bridge on the right carries the A38 into Cornwall