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Thursday, 1 September 2011

Victorian progress


The railway finally did reach Knaresborough in 1851, when this impressive railway viaduct was completed across the steep valley of the river.  An earlier bridge had collapsed three years before, just as it was almost finished.  (That must have been annoying!)  Victorian times, in Knaresborough as elsewhere, saw rapid progress in improving the town and living conditions for its inhabitants. Chapels and schools were built, gas street lighting established and a sewerage system installed.  But much of its earlier history is still very evident in its buildings, lanes, street names and the now ruined castle that towers over the town.

14 comments:

  1. Victorian time is a very interesting time to learn about.I'm wondering if we could build such bridges in that way today?..

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  2. Ah ! at least these old bridges are so beautiful and don't disturb the landscape, when I think of these metal hanging new bridges, !

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  3. What an amazing bridge! I also like the boat in the shot!

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  4. Fantastic legacy. I don't imagine the installation of broadband and cable TV will be viewed with so much appreciation, 100 years from now. I could be wrong, though.

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  5. I get the feeling when reading your posts that you would like to go back in time and experience these towns how they were then.

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  6. Yet another beautiful photograph. The bridge is magnificent, but the ubiquitous boat in the river, the willow at the water's edge, and the older buildings rising up the hillside beyond add so much. Good light angle, too! Jim

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  7. What a bridge! Massive and beautiful.

    Regarding your comment, the Great Fire of Lisbon took place in 1755 following the earthquake and the tsunami. It must have been an unbelievable day, or days...

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  8. This is truly an impressive aquaduct, Jenny, and your photo is magnificent. Having fun with your new camera?

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  9. Still, it was a good thing the earlier bridge crashed BEFORE it was totally finished... The railway viaduct is an appealing addition to the village environment.

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  10. That bridge doesn't look like it will ever fall down. Good solid workmanship. I love the little turrets.

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  11. So beautiful! What a marvellous photograph!

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  12. What an impressive structure. The Victorians certainly knew how to build things to last!!!

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  13. Love that architecture, so amazing! ~Lili

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