Somerset Bridge, Bermuda

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Somerset Bridge is one of the most famous structures in Bermuda. The small bridge, which connects Somerset Island with the mainland in the western parish of Sandys is reputedly the smallest working drawbridge in the world.

The original bridge was built in 1620, and much of its structure remains, although the bridge was largely rebuilt in the mid 20th century. The original bridge was cranked open by hand, whereas the current bridge consists of two cantilevered half-spans, separated by a 18-inch gap bridged by a thick timber panel. The panel is removed whenever a yacht wishes to pass beneath the bridge, allowing the unsailed mast to pass through the gap.