Saturday, 7 July 2007

Lansdowne Bridge across Prospect Creek, Lansvale



Lansdowne Bridge is considered to be one of the finest examples of Colonial Architecture in Australia. It was built by convicts during 1834 to 1836. The sandstone arch has the largest span of any surviving masonry bridge in Australia. It was opened on 26 January 1836.

The bridge’s designer was Scottish immigrant David Lennox. See here: David Lennox.

It’s a pity it’s so hard to see! There is a park “Lansdowne Bridge Reserve” off the main road, where in one or two spots you can walk a little way down the weed-infested creek bank and look towards the bridge. You can walk across the bridge (warning: traffic passes very close, and it's a major thoroughfare)

The best view of the bridge is as you drive across the duplicate bridge heading west…so it flashes past in a second.

Here’s a watercolour painting by artist Conrad Marten from 1836.

6 comments:

  1. It is a beautiful bridge and I had not heard of one with an arch made of sandstone.

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  2. Very interesting that the bridge is still standing and serving the cause.

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  3. A very interesting post. I particularily like the first picture with the bridge mirroring in the water. Well done.

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  4. Love the first photo. With the two arches in the bridge and the reflection if makes a nice composition.

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  5. The top photo is perfect! Amazing reflections and colours, what a beautiful construction!

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  6. I was keen on it until I saw the Ross Bridge in tasmania, which is more interesting and has a far better setting, not to mention the town itself. Richmond is another. No motor holiday in Tassie should miss either.

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