Galton Bridge was built by Thomas Telford in 1829. It is now only a
pedestrian bridge but it was once one of the main road transport routes in and
out of Smethwick across the canal.
The bridge crosses the
Birmingham Canal Navigation and has a span of 151 feet ( 46 metres ) and it was
once the world's longest single span bridge. This is a grade I listed building
of significant historical interest.
The Bridge takes its
name from Samuel Galton, a well known Quaker and arms manufacturer who was also
a member of the Lunar Society
It is only by walking
under the bridge and along the canal that the visitor gets to see the detail in
this magnificent piece of engineering. The nearby railway bridge which is still
in use to today ( shown in the last two images ) is nowhere near as
impressive.
The old tow path is
now a cycle route ( NCR 5 ) and nearby is the Galton Tunnel. With the bridge
behind them, visitors can take a walk through the tunnel and along the towpath
until they reach the Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre, not far from Smethwick
Rolfe Street Station.
It is such a shame that this bridge is unknown to many people from the
West Midlands. A few local folk and some business commuters on foot will be
aware of the route and its access to the industrial units on the opposite side
of Oldbury Road but many will never have seen what must be the most impressive
bridges for miles around.
Access to the bridge can be gained from either Oldbury Road or Roebuck
Lane. Further information on the history of the bridge can be found at the
nearby Galton Heritage Centre.
The bridge was cast by Horseley Ironworks which was a major ironworks in
Tipton. The company was founded by Aaron Manby around
1815 and in addition to building numerous bridges it constructed the first iron
steamer in 1821 which was named after its creator.
The Heritage
Centre, Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick, B66 1BA. Tel: Tel: 0121 558
8195
