Geograph - photograph every grid square

When it was built in 1820, this beautiful, slender, bridge was the longest road carrying suspension bridge in the world. I understand it is still the oldest vehicle carrying suspension bridge in the world. Designed by Samuel Brown RN, who clearly had links with Brunel as the huge chains in Brunel's famous 'stovepipe' hat picture were, I believe, manufactured by Brown's company, it opened FORTY FOUR years before Brunel's much acclaimed Clifton Suspension Bridge. The wrought iron chains that support the Clifton deck are very similar to those supporting Samuel Brown's bridge. Good engineering is always imitated (Lorenzo Nottolini visited Union Bridge (and others) before designing his very similar Ponte delle Catene in Fornoli/Chifenti, near Lucca), and improved, but Captain Brown got there first. He is suitably honoured with a bronze statue next to his masterpiece following its restoration in 2023.