Throughout history, the need to cross the changing British landscape has always driven innovation. Natural valleys, rivers and mountainous features required the construction of bridges in ancient times to expand our horizons, transport goods and, ultimately, conquer all corners of our island nation. Since then, with the development of technology, bridges have become not only practical structures for people and their possessions, but also prominent icons of our railway network, our reliance on motor vehicles and a desire to connect the country’s settlements and communities with one another.

Today, Britain has bridges spanning not only many of its rivers, but much of its history. Each age brought new designs and engineering prowess, celebrated most proudly during the Industrial Revolution. This book admires some of the best, from the world-renowned to the minor and the modest.