Bell's Bridge facts for kids
Bell's Bridge is a special bridge for people walking across the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland. It's a "swing bridge," which means part of it can turn to let boats pass by. This bridge was built in 1988 for a big event called the Glasgow Garden Festival. It helped people easily cross the river from the festival area to the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.
What is Bell's Bridge?
Bell's Bridge is not just any bridge; it's designed to move! The part of the bridge on the north side stays still, connected to the riverbank. But the main part of the bridge is a "cable-stayed" section. This means it's held up by strong cables connected to tall towers. This main section can actually spin around 90 degrees! When it turns, it creates two wide paths for ships and boats to travel up or down the river.
Why is it Called Bell's Bridge?
The bridge got its name from the company that helped pay for it: Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd. They are famous for making whisky. So, the bridge is named after them as a way to say thank you for their support.
Who Built This Amazing Bridge?
The design for Bell's Bridge was created by a company called Sir William Arrol & Co.. Another company, John Young and Company (Kelvinhaugh) Ltd., was in charge of actually building the bridge. Together, they made sure this unique and useful bridge was ready for everyone to enjoy.