Technology for the improvement of society - # 222
Walking along the tow path at Strand on the Green we pass under the railway. The so-called North London Line and the District Line cross the river here, going towards Richmond.
The brick, stone and iron structure is lavishly decorated: yet another demonstration of the desire of the Victorian railway masters to create structures that were enjoyable as well as practical.
This is REALLY a beautiful bridge! The wish to make beautiful, not only functional, was clearly on another level those days!
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice-looking bridge. You mentioned tow path. I wonder how they got past the bridge with the tow rope?
ReplyDeleteIf you have not seen a tomato horn worm lately, complete with cocoons of predator wasps aboard, then take a look if you have time.
@Oldmanlincoln: Tow Paths...you are right, but by the time the bridge was built in 1869 it was more usual to use steam tugs....AND, on this part of the river cargo barges were using sail power....the change to horse pulling took place a couple of miles further up at Ham....one day I will show that spot. So, I use the term "tow path" in a general way.
ReplyDeleteIt makes a lot of sense to make something practical and useful and yet pleasing to the eyes.
ReplyDeleteI guess fishing is not allowed on the bridge!?!?
I have enjoyed catching up with your river walk. It's always interesting visiting you.
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