2-708-241 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

Union Bridge, Horncliffe, Northumberland, c1955-c1980. A general view of the Union Bridge, showing the south elevation of the south pier, and the bridge extending north through the arch towards the north pier on the English border in the background. This bridge was erected 1819-1820, and was opened on 26 July 1820. It was built on behalf of the Berwick and North Durham Turnpike Trust and designed by Captain Samuel Brown, from the Royal Navy, with assistance from John Rennie. It has ashlar piers at either end, with the northern pier, on the English side of the River Tweed, built into the cliff face, a wood roadway and iron cables, designed by Captain Brown, who patented the bar links used here for the first time. It was the first road suspension bridge to be built in Britain, and the oldest to still be in use today. Alterations were made in the early 20th century, with further wire cables added above the main cables, and suspenders added to the steel reinforcement on the sides of the timber deck. The timber deck was also renovated in 1871 and 1974.