Duchess Bridge, Cast iron footbridge in Langholm, Scotland.
Duchess Bridge is a cast iron footbridge that crosses the River Esk in Langholm with a narrow walkway supported by a latticed iron framework. The structure sits on stone supports on both banks and allows pedestrians to traverse the river on foot.
William Keir Junior built this bridge in 1813 for the 4th Duke of Buccleuch to replace a deteriorating wooden crossing. The construction marked an early adoption of cast iron engineering in Scottish bridge building of that period.
The bridge received Category A listed status in 1988, marking its position as one of Scotland's first and most significant cast iron bridges.
The bridge is accessible on foot from Langholm town center and sits along the River Esk valley in a wooded setting. Visitors should wear proper footwear for uneven ground and watch for slippery surfaces when the weather is wet.
The structure retains all original engineering components from the early 1800s, making it a valuable example of industrial iron construction. Its latticed girders clearly show how traditional craftsmanship and new manufacturing techniques merged in that era.
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