Eglinton Tournament Bridge, Gothic footbridge in Eglinton Country Park, Scotland
Eglinton Tournament Bridge is a footbridge in Eglinton Country Park featuring cast iron arches and stone ornamental towers at both ends. It crosses the Lugton Water northwest of Eglinton Castle, connecting different sections of the park for visitors to explore.
Architect David Hamilton designed the original three-arched bridge in 1811, and the current structure was completed in 1845 under the 13th Earl of Eglinton. The bridge has since undergone several repairs and major restoration work to preserve it over time.
The bridge takes its name from the 1839 Eglinton Tournament, when visitors crossed it to attend elaborate jousting celebrations held in the grounds. This naming reflects the strong connection between the structure and the grand events that once defined the estate.
The bridge is easy to access since it sits within the public park and pedestrians can cross it freely. After extensive restoration work, it now offers a safe and well-maintained passage across the water for visitors to the grounds.
During World War II, Royal Engineers performed emergency repairs by encasing the structure in concrete to prevent complete collapse. This unusual preservation method remains visible in the bridge's construction today.
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