Linlathen House, West Bridge
Road Bridge (19th Century)
Site Name Linlathen House, West Bridge
Classification Road Bridge (19th Century)
Alternative Name(s) Linlathen West Bridge; Dighty Water; Linlathen House Policies; Dundee, Arbroath Road
Canmore ID 119761
Site Number NO43SE 18.02
NGR NO 46039 32702
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/119761
- Council Dundee, City Of
- Parish Dundee (Dundee, City Of)
- Former Region Tayside
- Former District City Of Dundee
- Former County Angus
NO43SE 18.02 46039 32702
Formerly entered as NO43SE 68.
Not to be confused with East (or Iron) Bridge (also over Dighty Water, at NO 46394 32855), for which see NO43SE 18.03.
This bridge carries the western (apparently principal) approach drive to Linlathen House (NO43SE 18.00) across the Dighty Water to the SW of the House. It is depicted, but not noted, on the 1994 edition of the OS 1:10,000 map.
Information from RCAHMS (RJCM), 7 June 2006.
Publication Account (2013)
Possibly the oldest iron bridge in Scotland, although a precise date is elusive, is believed to date from 1790-1810. It crosses the Dighty burn by means of a steep hump springing from angled abutments. The outer part of the bridge comprises hoops of wrought iron, each diminishing in diameter towards the centre. The smaller hoops are of cast iron. So the overall look is that of the Sunderland Bridge, Rowland Burdon’s patent, and there are other versions at Tickford Bridge, Newport Pagnell, and Spanishtown in Jamaica. The sprung trusses under the deck bear some similarity to the work of John Justice. Interlocking strands of wire form the parapets, with some alterations to suit changed roadways and now an inner parapet to do the real job of protecting the user. Access to Linlathen House takes a direct route in a straight line from the lodge, with only a little deviation as the drive climbs up from the bridge. The bridge had fallen into serious decay, but has been rescued to become an asset for the new residents of the new housing estate, as planning gain required by the City Council, backed by Dundee Civic Trust.
M Watson, 2013