2-888-248 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Fallen Railway Arches in Copenhagen-Fields, [London], 1850. Extension of the Birmingham Railway to Blackwall. 'Last week, one of the most important works on this line, at the point where it crosses the Great Northern Railway, in Copenhagen-fields, fell, and was reduced to the ruinous appearance shown in the Illustration. The viaduct was nearly 40 feet high; and the centre, or, as it may now be termed, the standing arch, is 60 feet span. From the unforeseen difficulties which the peculiar character of London clay presents to works of this nature, the bridge in question never seems to have acquired a firm position, but was observed to have always had a disposition to "twist". Happily, it has fallen without any accident to those engaged about it'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.