The Clifton Suspension Bridge was built in 1864, over the beautiful Avon Gorge. It links Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset, Great Britain. The idea of building the Clifton Suspension bridge originated in 1753 when a Bristolian merchant William Brick left 1,000 euros in the bank to gain interest toward building a bridge. He left a letter that stated: Once my investment reaches 10,000 euros, build a bridge from Clifton to Leigh Woods.
By 1829, William Brick's investment had reached 8,000 euros and the people of Bristol were ready to build the bridge. Rather than build an extremely expensive stone bridge that they would build a wrought-iron suspension bridge so cut down on the costs. A competition was held to find a design for the bridge, the judge was Thomas Telford. He rejected every single design and insisted that his own design should be built. Because of this, a second competition was held judged by a group of judges. Matthew Brunel's design won on March 16, 1831.
Building started in 1831, but it was constantly delayed do to riots and shortages of money. Building didn't actual start until 1836. The two giant piers on either end of the bridge were completed in 1843. By 1851, the ironwork that was going to be used to build this bridge was sold to build a different one. Brunel died in 1859, never seen the completed bridge. Work started in 1862 again and much of the ironwork was being completed. The bridge was completed in 1864, and then opened a few months later. There was toll put on the bridge to people driving automobiles but not to walking pedestrians and bikers.
