Last updated 1 May 1998Cowshot Manor Bridge | It took twelve monthsto re-build the former brick-arch accomodation bridge which was
closed in the 1920s when it became unsafe. The arch was still standing
when the re-construction started so, after taking measurements, the
remains first had to be demolished. The Army-built footbridge alongside
was also removed. |
| The new bridgewas constructed as closely to the original design as possible. |  |
| One of the problemsin achieving authenticity was a lack of capping bricks to surmount
the parapets. Eventually the Canal Society returned to the White Hill Brick and Tile Works at Arborfield, near Reading,
where the special semi-circular bricks were hand made again, as
was the case for the Hampshire bridges. (See How the bricks were made) |
 | Frank Jones,
who supervised the rebuild, reckoned that the finished structure is probably almost
identical since such techniques as the traditional 100ft line were
used to form the elipses, both in plan and elevation, which are a
distinctive feature of this and other Basingstoke bridges. |
| The rebuilt bridge,
just below Lock 17 on the Deepcut flight,
was officially re-opened in October 1982 by the High Sheriff of Surrey,Mr J.P.M.H. Evelyn |  |
(from BC News 106, December 1982) |
