2-888-358 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Railway Viaduct over the Tweed, at Berwick, 1850. The Royal Border Bridge connecting the York, Newcastle, and Berwick Railway with the North British Line. 'The engineers-in-chief of this magnificent work are Mr. Robert Stephenson, M.P., and Mr. T. E. Harrison; resident engineer, Mr. J. B. Bruce; contractors Messrs. M'Kay and Blackstock...The total length of the Viaduct is 2170 feet; and the greatest height from the bed of the river, 125 feet. The whole bridge is built of stone, with the exception of the inner part of the arches, which is built with bricks laid in cement. There is in this structure upwards of one million cubic feet of masonry; and nearly two millions and a half of bricks have been placed in the arches....In the execution of [the] foundations two of Nasmyth's patent steam piling engines were brought into requisition...The contractor at one time employed as many as 2000 men...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.