Newport Town Bridge facts for kids
- For the bridge in Rhode Island, United States, see Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge
Quick facts for kids Newport Bridge |
|
|---|---|
Newport Bridge in 2011.
|
|
| Carries | Motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians |
| Crosses | River Usk |
| Locale | Newport |
| Official name | Newport Bridge |
| Maintained by | Newport City Council |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Five-span Arch bridge |
| Total length | ? feet (? metres) |
| Width | Four-lane carriageway, two cycle/footpaths |
| Longest span | ? m (? ft) |
| History | |
| Opened | 22 June 1927 |
The Newport Bridge is a well-known bridge in Newport. People often call it the Town Bridge. It opened in 1927 and crosses the River Usk. This bridge connects the High Street and Clarence Place with Newport Castle and the city centre. It's a vital link for cars, bikes, and people walking across the river.
Contents
The First Bridge (1800)
The very first stone bridge on this spot was built in 1800. It had five arches and was created by David Edwards. His father, William Edwards, was also a famous bridge builder.
In 1866, the bridge was made wider. They added footpaths on both sides so people could walk safely. The original stone that marked the bridge's completion is now part of the Caerleon Bridge.
Paddle Steamers and River Travel
A special blue plaque on the bridge tells us about the Newport harbour landing stage. This was a place where paddle steamers used to stop. These boats were part of P&A Campbell's famous white funnel fleet.
These paddle steamers regularly sailed from near this spot. The landing stage opened in the 1880s and was made bigger in the 1890s. It was used for river travel until the 1950s.
Harry Houdini's Daring Escape
On March 5, 1913, the famous escape artist Harry Houdini visited Newport. He performed an amazing stunt by jumping off Newport Bridge. His hands were tied with handcuffs, and his feet were shackled.
The police had tried to stop him, but Houdini took a taxi to the other side of the bridge. He then jumped into the river from there. The police later arrested him for blocking a public road and holding a public show on the bridge.
Building the New Bridge
In 1911, the Newport Town Council started looking for ideas for a new bridge. By December 1923, they decided to build it right away. One reason for this was to create jobs for people who didn't have work.
To build the new bridge, they first put up a temporary wooden bridge next to the old one. All the power lines and gas pipes were moved onto this temporary bridge. Even the town's tram lines and their overhead power system were shifted.
After everything was moved, the old bridge was taken down. Then, the new, stronger bridge was built in its place.
The new Newport Bridge was finished and opened on June 22, 1927. The Transport Minister, Wilfrid Ashley, officially opened it to traffic.
The Golden Cherubs
The new Newport Bridge has a special artistic touch. On four of its pillars, you can see stone cherubs. A cherub is a small, winged angel-like figure. These cherubs are painted in gold and hold a shield. The shield is designed after the coat of arms of Newport.
In 1994, John Squire, the guitarist for the band The Stone Roses, designed the cover for their song "Love Spreads". He based his design on a photograph of one of these stone cherubs and shields from Newport Bridge. "Love Spreads" became the band's most successful song, reaching number 2 in the UK Singles Chart. The cherub design was also used on many items related to their album, Second Coming.
