Sunday, September 18, 2011

Bridge The Gap


This week's PhotoHunt theme is wooden.

The Mathematical Bridge is located at Queen's College in Cambridge. The famous wooden bridge was designed by William Ethridge, and built by James Essex in 1749. 
Tourist who visit structure often fall victim to the popular fable that the bridge was designed and built by Sir Isaac Newton and built without the use of nuts or bolts--that the timbers were arranged in a way that made the bridge self supporting. However, when the bridge was first built, iron spikes were driven into the joints from the outer side, where they could not be seen. These spikes have since been replaced with bolts.  Besides Newton died in 1727, 22 years before the bridge was constructed. 

2 comments:

  1. I've been a few times to Cambridge but never checked out the Mathematical Bridge. So am glad to view it via your photo on your blog. :)

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  2. Hi Maya, I've never heard of this bridge before. Very interesting. From looking at the person who is walking on it in your photo, the sides are pretty high which seems rare for most walkway built bridges. Unique.

    Very cool photo and take on this week's theme. Enjoy your weekend.

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