Did you know that the Union Chain Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in the world for vehicular traffic still in use?

It spans the River Tweed between the parishes of Horncliffe, Northumberland, England and Hutton, Berwickshire, Scotland. It can be found five miles upstream from Berwick upon Tweed. It is locally loved and internationall celebrated and has been designated an International Historic Engineering Landmark.

When it was built in 1820 it was the longest span bridge in the world. It was the first suspension bridge in Europe to carry wheeled traffic.

It was designed by Captain Samuel Brown, who was not an engineer by background but a keen enthusiast who had worked in the Royal Navy. During his time there he revolutionised the chains used on the ships. These were previously made from hemp which would rot away, so Sam designed chains made from wrought iron links which were then adopted throughout the navy!

Here you will find resources all created as part of a community engagement project during the restoration of the bridge.