

History
The history of the Clifton Suspension Bridge is interesting, rich and fascinating, with a story that begins in 1754. The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is custodian to both the bridge itself and its historical records and artefacts.
A Grade I listed structure, Clifton Suspension Bridge is deemed worthy of the highest quality conservation and record keeping in order to preserve one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. Our collections are now online with much archive content to discover, while ongoing research offers new opportunities to understand the bridge and its surrounding environment.
Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. A young and innovative engineer, he was 24 when he was appointed for the project which came about through a competition. Brunel described the bridge as ‘my first child, my darling’, and the ingenious bridge, which took 33 years to complete, marked the beginning of a great engineering career.
Traversing the Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge has become a highly recognisable structure that is one of Bristol’s top tourist attractions. Sir Abraham Elton called it ‘the ornament of Bristol and the wonder of the age’ back in 1831, and while – thanks to technological advances – wonders have moved on, Clifton Suspension Bridge remains the enduring symbol of the city of Bristol here in the UK.
Our Collections
Our collections demonstrate the enduring renown of Bristol’s most iconic landmark. You can search our collection archive below:
Clifton Suspension Bridge and Dowlais Iron Company
Since the Dowlais Iron Company made the iron that was used to forge the original chains, their importance to the Clifton Suspension Bridge was significant.…
5 ½ Tons per Square Inch
This figure featured in the judging of the competing designs for the Clifton Bridge, and refers to the maximum tension in the suspension chains. If…
Views and Vistas
As part of Bristol Walkfest’s 2020 digital offer, tour guide Gordon Young created a series of short films exploring the landscape from each of the…
Stories from the Archives: Sarah Ann Henley (8 July 1862 – 31 March 1948)
[Content warning: attempted suicide] Sarah was a young barmaid who lived with her father at 48 Twinnell Road, St Phillips in Bristol. She is known…
Stories from the Archives: Daredevil Pilots
In July 1927 F G Wayman, Class AA Duty Pilot Officer, flew a Bristol Fighter (two seat biplane) under the Suspension Bridge. He recorded the…
Did Sarah Guppy Design the Clifton Suspension Bridge?
Sarah Guppy (1770-1852) was an English inventor, wife of a Bristol industrialist and the mother of Thomas Guppy, who worked with Isambard Kingdom Brunel on…
Completing the Bridge
On 8th December 2014, the Clifton Suspension Bridge celebrated 150 years since its grand opening. Here are some of the key events which took place…
History of the bridge illuminations
Illuminations have played a significant role in the enjoyment of the suspension bridge since it was completed in 1864. As part of the opening ceremony,…
Brunel’s Suspended Traveller
To help workmen cross the gorge while the bridge was under construction, Brunel designed the ‘suspended traveller’, a basket car which hung from an iron…

Next Steps
For more information or to discuss research enquiries, please contact:
Hannah Little, Archivist