Ferry Bridge Burton

Ferry Bridge Burton is a cast iron footbridge with a semi-suspension design that crosses the River Trent, connecting Burton upon Trent town center with the Stapenhill suburb. The structure features metal elements and chain anchoring systems that support its span.

Wealthy industrialist Michael Arthur Bass funded construction of this iron bridge in 1889 to replace an ancient ferry service. The project marked a shift from traditional river crossing methods to modern infrastructure for the rapidly changing town.

The bridge became a vital link for the growing industrial community when it opened, drawing thousands of local residents to its inauguration. This gathering showed how important the new crossing was to people living and working in Burton at that time.

Access to the bridge is on foot, and the footway features chain railings for safety along the entire crossing. The structure undergoes regular maintenance work to keep it in good condition and ensure safe passage for all pedestrians.

The bridge uses an innovative chain anchoring system that had not been previously used in European bridge construction. This engineering feature demonstrates the skill of the engineers behind the project and made it a notable achievement in bridge design of its era.