Suspension+Bridges

__Suspension Bridges__


Richard Brunel born 9 April 1806 and was a british civil engineer and was perhaps best remembered for building the clifton bridge in bristol it lay spanning over 700ft over the river avon and almost 200ft high it was the largest spanning bridge built in that time.

Richard Brunel was born in Hampshire and was the son of sir Marc Isambard Brunel and Sophia Kingdom Brunel. He had 2 older sisters aand all of the family lived a happy life apart from there constant money worries. When they moved to london Richard was sent to Dr Morrels Boarding School. But at the age of 14 his father sent him to france to have a high quality education that he had. after his first year Richards father was acumalated debts of over £5000 and as he couldn't pay it he was sent to debtors prison. August 1821 Britain faced it of losing a promient enigneer they payed the debt of £5000 on the agreement he stayed in Britain. (LondonParticulars.wordpress.com)

Clifton Bridge This was richards design that he was probably best remembered for. He submitted the design four times to the commitee lead by thomas telford but they were rejected all four time by them. then after being forced by the public the commitee had to release a new competition. Richard won the competition and his bridge was chose. work started in 1831 but was later suspended due to the queen square riots after sir charles wetheralls arrival. Then after this all the investors left and the work stopped. But all his work collegues and admirers wanted to see the design finished so they raised money and work recommenced in 1862 and was finished in 1864. Five years after Richard died. Now 4 million veicles drive over it every year.