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Richmond Bridge (Tasmania)

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Richmond Bridge
Coordinates42°44′01″S 147°26′22″E / 42.73361°S 147.43944°E / -42.73361; 147.43944
CarriesMotor vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles
CrossesCoal River
LocaleRichmond, Tasmania
Characteristics
Total length41m (135ft)
Width7.2m (25ft)
Longest spanDepartment of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources
History
Opened1825
Location
Map

The Richmond Bridge is a historic bridge in Richmond, 25 km (16 mi) north of Hobart in Tasmania, Australia. It is the oldest bridge still in use in Australia.

The foundation stone for the Richmond Bridge was laid on 11 December 1823 and the bridge was built by convicts. It was completed in 1825. The bridge was originally named Bigge's Bridge after Royal Commissioner, John Thomas Bigge, who recognised the need for the bridge in 1820.

The plaque on Richmond Bridge
The stone set in the bridge showing construction started in 1823.
Another historic marker set into the bridge

In 2005, the bridge was recognised as an outstanding historic place and added to the Australian National Heritage List.

Murder of George Grover

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In 1832 a guard from the Richmond Gaol was murdered at Richmond bridge. George Grover work including flogging (whipping) the prisoners. He was hated by the convicts. He died after being pushed off the edge of Richmond Bridge while drunk. No one was convicted of his murder.[1]

Construction

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The Richmond Bridge is made from sandstone dug at Butchers Hill, and carried by convicts using hand carts. It has four main arches, with spans of 4.3 m (14 ft), 8.1 m (27 ft), 8.3 m (27 ft), 8.5 m (28 ft), 8.3 m (27 ft) and 4.1 m (13 ft). These arches rise from sloping fins with angular leading edges pointed to the flow of the river.

References

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  1. Bellamy, D. "History of Richmond" (PDF). City of Clarence. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-23. Retrieved 2012-01-19.

Other websites

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