The Skew Bridge

Not many people know about the Hereford to Gloucester Canal, a fairly insignificant waterway, but notable for the extraordinary bridge near Hereford.

The ancient Egyptians appear to be the first to build arches, but even in its later development by the Romans, the archway was always at right angles to the line of the arch. Canals and then railways might cross a road or river at any angle and the problem of how to ensure maximum strength was solved in a most ingenious way. Most visitors to Britain drive under or over such arches without taking a second glance, so be warned: if you drive under a brick arch beneath a railway line, stop and have a close look at the line of the bricks. You might be surprised.

Richard Down, who teaches engineering and design in Hereford, tells us the story of this little-known waterway and its extraordinary Skew Bridge.

If you would like to know more about the Hereford to Gloucester canal, why not visit the Trust's website and learn about the work which is planned for the future?