| Wilford Toll Bridge | |
|---|---|
Wilford Toll Bridge with the statue of Sir Robert Juckes Clifton |
|
| Crosses | River Trent |
| Opened | 1906 |
| Heritage status | Grade II listed structure (part) |
Wilford Toll Bridge crosses the River Trent between Wilford and Nottingham.
Contents |
Until the bridge opened a Wilford Ferry was in operation for some 400 hundred years. This ferry was the scene of a disaster in 1784, when in the midst of a gale an overcrowded ferry boat capsized, and six unfortunate passengers were drowned.[1]
Another fatal accident occurred on 10 January 1837 when John Oakley, a Wilford farmer, and two others used another boat which drifted downstream and capsized when it hit the ferry chain.[2]
An act of parliament was obtained in 1862 for the construction of a bridge.[3] The ferry service ended on 18 September 1864, when a temporary wooden footbridge was opened.
The toll bridge opened on 16 June 1870.[4] It was built by Sir Robert Juckes-Clifton, 9th Baronet for the traffic for Clifton Colliery.[5] The bridge was a cast-iron structure by Andrew Handyside of Derby.[6]
The toll house was designed by the architect E.W. Hughes
The bridge was owned by the Clifton family until Nottingham City Council took over in 1969.
The council assessment revealed that bridge was in a poor condition and it was closed to traffic in 1974. The centre span of the bridge was demolished and replaced by a narrower foot bridge.
The bridge is due to be enlarged to carry Phase 2 of the Nottingham Express Transit system.
On the toll house is a sign which reads:
Table of tolls to be taken under the Wilford Bridge Act 1862. For every horse or other beast drawing any Coach or Stage Coach, Omnibus, Van, Caravan, Sociable, Berlin, Landau, Chaial, A-Vis, Barouche, Phaeton, Chaise Marine, Caleche, Carricle, Chair, Gig, Dog cart, Irish Car, whisky, Hearse, Litter, Chais or any little carriage 6D. For every horse or other beast drawing any wagon, wain, cart or other carriage. 4D. For every horse or mule, laden or unladen not drawing 1½ D. For every Ox, Cow, Bull or Neat cattle 1 penny; or for a score 6D.
| Next footbridge crossing upstream | River Trent | Next footbridge crossing downstream |
| Clifton Bridge (Nottingham) | Wilford Toll Bridge Grid reference: SK568381 |
Wilford Suspension Bridge |