Bridges Explained: The Surprising History of Britain's Finest Bridges, How They Work & the People Who Made Them (Including Viaducts & Aqueducts)

From the beautiful simplicity of an ancient clapper bridge to the elegant, sweeping lines of a modern suspension bridge, these structures delight the eye and complement their surroundings. But what do we really know about them? Why and when were they built? What exactly does a particular part do? And, most importantly, why don't they fall down? In this easy-to-follow book, Trevor Yorke uses his own illustrations, diagrams and photographs to explain the basic principles of construction and styles of bridges so the reader can better appreciate them, recognise how they work and from what period they date. Along the way you'll take a closer look at arched bridges through the ages, from Roman & Medieval times to the Georgian era, as well as more modern cast-iron steel & concrete bridges. Beam, truss and girder bridges are explained in detail, as are cantilever structures, suspension bridges, moving bridges, aqueducts and viaducts. Through diagrams and photos, the finest examples of each style and period are brought to life - for example, the first iteration of London Bridge, Sonning Bridge in Berkshire, Ironbridge in Shropshire, the Menai Suspension Bridge and many more. Towards the back of the book you'll find a quick reference guide with a list of bridges to visit and a glossary to explain any unfamiliar terms. You'll never look at another bridge in the same way again.