Brigham Bridge re-opening 1964

This is an account of the opening of Brigham Bridge in 1964 by a group of enthusiasts. The text is an exact copy of the original which was in book form. A copy of the book is held in the DNAA archives. The photographs of this historical event are to be found below the the account.

"Some time in 1949 the swing bridge over the Driffield Navigation at Brigham was secured in such a position that canal traffic was unable to proceed beyond that point. Road traffic could, however use the bridge.

caption reads: 'If only the bridge would open.'

This position continued until the summer of 1964. Boats travelling from the River Hull near Hull Bridge sailed to Brigham and tied up near the bridge. Two boats in particular "Heron" owned by Mr. S. Precious, and "Mardon" owned by Mr. W. Parker, regularly made the journey. The owners often inspected the bridge and fittings in the hope that one day the bridge would once again be opened to waterborne traffic.

caption reads: 'Driffield Canal, Brigham.'

During these visits to Brigham the two boat owners became friendly with two local residents. Mr. W. Turner and Mr. R. Taylor. Soon the talks on the bridge developed into more than plans for the future, why not do something now ! and so it began.

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The underside of the bridge was cleared out and examinations were made. The structure of the bridge did not appear to be in a bad condition. Brick work was repaired and mud cleared away. Here Mr. Turner's tractor came in useful. The winches, long since collapsed, were re-erected and strengthened, and new chains fitted. The bridge was jacked up and the wheels oiled and greased.

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At last all was ready for a trial opening. During the weeks that elapsed since work commenced on the bridge many visitors to Brigham had stayed a while and lent a hand with the various jobs of work being done.

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When the day came for the trial opening all was made ready. Blocks and ropes were laid out in case the bridge should sag when moved away from the place where the opening end had rested for so many years. So, with one man at the winch and the remainder at the opening end of the bridge the order was given to - open the bridge--, Mr. Taylor, at the winch, turned the handle and the chin tightened. The rest of the labour force pulled on ropes at the other end of the bridge.

caption reads: 'will it open?'

Soon there was movement and the bridge opened about six inches. The runners were cleaned and the bridge closed again.

caption reads: 'almost open'

Once more the word was given to open the bridge. This time it opened about twelve inches, and so it went on, opening and closing, each time the bridge opened wider, until at last it was moved cleat of the supports, and there was no sagging.

Brigham Bridge 1964 (overseeing the work)

caption reads: 'the last bit of support'

So far all was well. A small boat was pulled under the bridge and the points of contact between the bridge and runners were cleaned and greased. More soil was removed from under the balance weights until all was "spick and span".

caption reads: 'open at last'

This operation had taken up the greater part of the day, so the bridge was closed and shackeled up.

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The following weekend three boats from Hull Bridge made the journey. Mr. B. Roustoby with "Daffodil II" joined "Heron" and "Mardon" Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Turner were there at the bridge to great us on our arrival. The bridge was opened and "Heron" sailed through. The first boat through the open bridge for fifteen years. "Mardon" and Daffodil II" followed.

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The bridge was closed and the three boats sailed along line ahead to Snakeholme Lock there to tie up whilst the crews walked the half mile or so to Wansford, to see the swing bridge there, which may, in the near future, become a fixed bridge.

Driffield Canal 1964 (trip from Brigham to Snakeholm)

caption reads: 'away to snakeholm lock'

Returning to Snakeholme Lock which is now the end of the line so far as sailing is concerned, as a barrier has been built across the lock to hold the water in the upper pound. However, another mile of sailing has been added to that previously enjoyed.