Perth Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Perth Bridge |
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View upstream from Queen's Bridge
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| Coordinates | 56°23′56″N 3°25′31″W / 56.3990°N 3.4252°W |
| Carries | Two lanes of the A85 |
| Crosses | River Tay |
| Locale | Perth, Scotland |
| Other name(s) | Smeaton's Bridge The Old Bridge The Auld Brig |
| Maintained by | Perth and Kinross Council |
| Heritage status | Category A listed |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Arch |
| History | |
| Opened | 1771 |
The Perth Bridge is a famous bridge in Perth, Scotland. People also call it Smeaton's Bridge, the Old Bridge, or the Auld Brig. It crosses the River Tay, connecting the city of Perth on the west side to Bridgend on the east.
This bridge is very important for cars and people walking. It carries the A85 and is free to use. The Perth Bridge is a special building, listed as a Category A listed structure. This means it's a building of great historical importance.
Long ago, there was another bridge in the same spot. But it was destroyed in 1621. For many years, people tried to build a new one, but they failed. Even King James VI tried to help raise money for a new bridge. But when he died in 1625, the plan stopped. Instead, people used ferryboats to cross the river.
Building the Bridge
The current Perth Bridge was finished in October 1771. This was during the Georgian era, a time when kings named George ruled Britain. The street leading to the bridge, George Street, was built around the same time.
The person who designed and built this amazing bridge was an engineer named John Smeaton. That's why many people call it Smeaton's Bridge.
A Bridge That Stood Strong
Building the bridge cost a lot of money. It was paid for by Thomas Hay, 9th Earl of Kinnoull, the government, and many people who donated money.
Just three years after it was built, the bridge faced a big test. In February 1774, there was a quick thaw, meaning the ice on the river melted fast. Large pieces of ice got stuck under the bridge's arches. This created a natural dam, causing the River Tay to flood.
Many parts of Perth, including its large green areas called the Inches, were underwater. But the Perth Bridge stayed strong! It has survived many floods since then. You can even see marks on one of its piers that show how high the floodwaters reached in the past.
Making the Bridge Wider
Over time, more and more people and vehicles used the bridge. To handle all the extra traffic, the bridge was made wider in 1869. An engineer named A.D. Stewart oversaw this work.
During this widening, the stone walls (called parapets) along the sides were removed. New footpaths were added, sticking out over iron supports. This made more space for both cars and pedestrians.
Gallery
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The bridge as it was before being widened in 1869
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A plaque on the bridge
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Smeaton's Bridge, with St Matthew's Church, on Tay Street, on the left, looking north from Queen's Bridge
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A view from Bridgend's East Bridge Street to West Bridge Street, which traverses the bridge
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Flood water levels of the Tay etched into the bridge's brickwork
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See also
- List of Category A listed buildings in Perth and Kinross
- List of listed buildings in Perth, Scotland
- 1814 Perth flood
- 1993 Perth flood
