Celebrating two of England's most historic bridges

A SPECIAL event celebrating two of England’s most historically significant bridges will take place at Warrington Town Hall tonight (Friday).
Two talks on the history of Warrington Transporter Bridge and the Tees Transporter Bridge will be given by Margaret Ingham, chairman of the Friends of Warrington Transporter Bridge (FOWTB) and Manchester Metropolitan University historian Dr Tosh Warwick.
The illustrated talks will take place in the Council Chamber between 7-9pm.
They will tell the story of each bridge’s role in the industrial heritage of the local area and look at some of the challenges and opportunities both structures pose in the 21st century. Organisers hope that the event will help encourage collaboration and the development of future heritage links between the two areas.
The two Grade II* listed transporter bridges share a common heritage with both having been constructed by Sir William Arrol and Co. in the 1910s to improve local industrial infrastructure.
The Cleveland Bridge designed Tees Transporter Bridge, opened in 1911, connects Middlesbrough to Port Clarence and in recent years has been the subject of extensive heritage-led regeneration works supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The enhancement works included the installation of a lift to the 160ft high upper walkway, gondola renovation, Visitor Centre improvements and the development of education resources.
Warrington Transporter Bridge – also known as Bank Quay Transporter Bridge or Crosfield’s Transporter Bridge – designed by William Henry Hunter, was built in 1916 and crosses the River Mersey, although it has been out of use since about 1964.
Margaret Ingham said: “We are delighted to be bringing together stories of these two iconic structures. Since the formation of the FOWTB in 2015 we have seen awareness and interest in the bridge’s history increase rapidly and gain attention from around the world. We hope that in promoting its heritage we can help secure the icon’s long-term future”.
Dr Warwick, who previously worked on the Tees Transporter Bridge Visitor Experience project, added: “The two bridges are symbols of their areas and provide tangible, important connections to Britain’s industrial heritage. Hopefully the event will act as a catalyst to exchange knowledge and identify ways to celebrate these iconic wonders of engineering and enhance connections between the North East and North West for the benefit of future generations.”
Those interested in attending the event are encouraged to register through Eventbrite, Facebook Event or email [email protected]. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the work of the Friends of Warrington Transporter Bridge and to purchase souvenirs.
FOWTB was formed in April 2015 to act as the independent voice of the bridge and is liaising with other interest groups to safeguard the bridge’s industrial heritage status. More information on the work of the Friends and future events can be found here: http://www.warringtontransporterbridge.co.uk/.