Hi Ron, You never fail to amaze me at the depth of detail you bring us in these video's but on this one you have excelled yourself, thank you. This is one I will watch again and again I am sure about that. After watching it it struck me what might have been today had the accident not have happened - What tends to be forgotten at the time of the accident BR were strengthening the bridge to enable heavier locomotives to use it, there were plans to put back the double line that had been reduced to single and double the rest of the line except between each end of the bridge. The reason for this was to use it not only as a diversionary line but to take some of the loadings off the lines to the east of Severn Tunnel Junction. Today we might have had not only the line between Otters Pool Junction and Berkeley Road complete but also the line between Berkeley Loop Junction and Berkeley Road South Junction. If only Marine Insurance Law had not been limited to £5,000 compensation in this case then BR would have obtained the necessary compensation to rebuild the bridge. The Signalling across the bridge was rather unusual, the Signal Box on the bridge was not a token exchange point it was within the Severn Bridge - Sharpness Section. When the bridge needed to be swung you had to make sure it could not be if the token for the Severn Bridge to Sharpness Section was "out" (with a train driver) for obvious reasons. To swing the bridge the Sharpness Swing Bridge Box Signalman had to ask permission from both the Severn Bridge and Sharpness Signalmen, the two signalmen would hold in the button on there token instruments at the same time that would enable the Sharpness Swing Bridge Box Signalmen to get a release for his locking leaver (that in itself would lock the token instruments at both Severn Bridge Box and Sharpness Signal box's so either signalmen could not get a token out) so enabling the bridge to be swung. Andrew.
Fascinating detail as always Andrew and combines perfectly with Ron’s expert production. I seem to remember reading that if the bridge had remained open the east bound junction at Yate / Westerleigh with the London line via Badminton would not have closed. Or perhaps that was just an excuse.
@@rodneymasters5996 Hi Rodney thank you for your kind comments, your correct the East Bound Junction at Yate to Westerleigh would almost certainly have remained open as it would have formed part of the re-routing when the Severn tunnel was closed. Regards, Andrew.
@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron, I should have said - During the end of the 1960's I travelled on a train from Birmingham NS to Swansea High Street this involved going under the stone viaduct you visited last week, at the same time I was lucky enough to see the damaged Severn Bridge before it was removed. Andrew.
Hi Ron. Thank you for the latest video on the Severn Bridge disaster and associated remains. Again, it is an area and a story I am very familiar with and thought that you related it superbly. Your patience and tenacity in finding the wrecks was impressive! Having not been there for a while I was amazed at how quickly the wrecks are deteriorating: they remained fairly unchanged for many years, but seem to have taken a sudden turn for the worst. I was going to add more detail as to the operation of the railway and swing bridge at the time of the accident, but remembered to check Andrew's post first, and, as usual, he has covered this aspect comprehensively! However, I can add some information about the early days of the bridge and associated accidents prior to the collision in 1960. The bridge was built by the Severn Bridge Railway Company (formed 18th July 1872). Construction started in 1875 with the foundation stone being laid on 3rd July of that year. There were three fatalities during the construction of the bridge, although only one happened on the bridge itself, when Thomas Roberts of Viney Hill fell from the bridge on 3rd June 1879. The other two fatalities occurred during the construction of the approach tunnel on the Lydney side (John Tomkins of Ruardean on 8th Jan 1878) and on the viaduct on the Lydney side (William Aston of Lydney on 1st Mar 1879). The first train to test the newly constructed bridge left Lydney at lunchtime on 3rd Sep 1879. It carried directors and managers from the company. On the return journey at around 14:30, their train stopped on the bridge to allow the passengers to alight and inspect the bridge. The first collision with the bridge by a boat was on 6th Sep 1879 prior to it's opening. Two of the three people on the boat (which was cut in two by the impact with span no 19) survived, but the third person was lost to the fast flowing river and his body was not located and recovered until three days later. The official opening of the bridge was on Friday 17th Oct 1897 exactly 100 years to the day after the completion of Iron Bridge further up the Severn. This was, of course, the first bridge to be made of iron in England. Well I'll stop there, I could go on for pages about this fascinating story in Gloucestershire's history! Thanks again Ron, regards, Trev
Hi Trev, Fantastic information you have supplied us with here thank you for posting it I am sure when Ron reads it he will be well impressed, I was aware of some of this information but not all of it. I try to keep my posts to layouts and operations which is the main area of my knowledge and leave other aspects to yourself and others. I think that is a good way to encourage as many viewers as possible to read the comments and also take some of the easier work off Ron and at the same time provide him with the support he deserves. Regards, Andrew.
Hi Trev, thank you so much for posting this info, between you and Andrew, you are making this channel, a go to site for anyone who wants to delve into railway history. Hope you are keeping well. Ron
I haven't walked down that way in years Ron. That basin at the end is stuffed full of the biggest carp you have ever seen. I took the wife down there for a walk and came across the concrete boats. The hardest job of my life was trying to explain how a concrete boat can float whilst a brick obviously doesn't. You must have done a lot of planning to get down there on the spring tide to find those tankers. Thank you.
Hello Ron - greetings from Poland. In my opinion, that was one of your very best videos. The amount of detail you went into was amazing. No stone was left unturned. No barrier was too big. Nothing got in your way to reach your goal. Fantastic! What might have been? - a question I think all your subscribers will be asking. For sure, if this terrible accident had not have happened, the land/sea scape would be completely different today. Why was the bridge found to be unecomical to repair? Poor insurance payout plus no money in the coffers I think. Congratulations old friend. This vlog is a real winner and I shall watch it over again too.
Hi Michael, hope you and yours are well. What amazes me with the wreaks is how three people escaped, the river was said to be alight from shore to shore with blazing oil and petrol. It wasn't their time I guess. Nice weather here at the moment, hope you are getting some too, ideal for sitting in the garden with a cup of tea, and listening to the birds. Look after yourself, till next time, take care. Ron & Pauline
Amazing how you managed to struggle through the reed beds without falling over. It looked very difficult. Congratulations on your perseverance. Living near the Severn one has to know the tide times. The stone work on the arches and tower are truly amazing. The old craftsman took great pride in their work. I can never understand why steel wrecks are not salvaged for their content. You can see similar hulks when going into Portsea Island. Been there years. Just an eyesore really. Great bit of filming Ron. Highly interesting and informative.
Hi, Pounds Scrapyard is what you see just as you cross the last bridge onto the island, I think it was also on the left hand side at one time, but I think this is being made into a park and ride (or has been). It's now all condensed into the quay area, there used to be a submarine there as well. Pounds was used in the 1970s Rock film Tommy, along with other places, Kings Theatre, South Parade pier (which burnt during the time when they filming). It's definitely not pretty but I've always found it interesting ... I love my old town warts an'all. Do you live nearby?
@@davidberlanny3308 Good morning David. We live near Andover which takes about an hour to reach Portsmouth. You are correct about the submarine. I can recall seeing it layed up there years ago Haven't been to Portsmouth much since lockdown, as the park & ride stopped running. We did, however make a video around the Southsea Castle and Clarence pier area a couple of years ago. Search our channel for SOUTHSEA CASTLE
@@lionelmarytravels6003 Morning Lionel and Mary, I worked in Andover for a year or so about 25 years ago and used to commute. I dread to think what the traffic must be like these days on the M27, M3 perhaps less if people are still working at home. It was always a favourite walk of mine Eastney to Old Portsmouth it's quite a way but the thought of a pint in the Still and West always drove me on!! I shall search your video out!! Good luck from Spain!!
I admire your persistance and patience! Great video with some finely observed detail: wood, iron, and stonework - as you say, built to last. The two video's combined are a fitting tribute to a once magnificent Severn crossing. The tunnel may be quicker and more convenient, but I know which rail route I prefer - even if now, it's in the imagination, backed up by old photo's and splendid video's like yours. Well done!
Another excellent video, Beautifully filmed, Ron. What extraordinary structures those bridges are, the craftsmanship is top class. Great sleuthing on display as always. Well done. Ron.
Another great video, Ron, and all your hard work and persistence paid off handsomely. The stonework is superb, and I hope it remains there a lot longer. It's incredible how those wrecks have survived so long against the great force of the river. I would have expected them to be broken up or buried, but neither is true.
Hi Jim, I would have thought they would be gone by now, I think they must be full of river sand which is anchoring them in place. Enjoy your flying. Ron
Hi Ron those Tankers seemed in good condition rust wise😳……and those other river boats…. What stories they might tell? Well done for your perseverance 😎👍🏼
Hi again Ron,another good one;you,ve managed to drag me away from watching the Goodwood Festival of Speed! Good to see you going at low tide;watching the currents moving around those wreck remains was sobering.Further to my previous comments regarding the "Bore",I think I,m right in saying the Severn has the second highest tidal surge in the world after Newfounland Chrs!
Wow! Your persistence paid off Ron. Great work 👍Yes, to see them properly, as you say, you need the best combination of weather, time, and tides. Some great footage here. Loved this. Thank you and take care, Paul 🙂👍
Hi Ron, this is one heck of a good video. Some terrific detective work on your behalf, coupled with a well written dialogue and voila, there is now a treasure trove of fascinating and very detailed responses. Well done to you and everyone who contributed to this video. Stay safe, stay exploring!!! Best wishes, Ian
Hi Ian, great to hear from you. That was a hard film to make, lots of muttering and complaining behind the camera so I'm glad you liked it. Stay in touch. Ron
Patience is not my strongest suit either Ron...nor is speaking in front of people, and I'm quite anti-social as well...somehow I manage to be a pretty fair teacher...go figure! Thanks for "take two" and for take one as well, both very interesting. I loved crossing the miniature Severn Bridge! Have a good week Ron, I'm still catching up on your older work now that I'm off...well, off except when I'm being bugged by OVM to throw a ball (the only thing she prefers to watching your videos with me, apparently).
Your description of you sounds exactly how I would describe me. without the teacher bit. Our daughter-in-law has decided to pack in teaching and do something else, - last few days. Ron
I regularly take a walk along the towpath from Purton to Sharpness, or in the other direction.. I did so most recently on Sunday last. I can recall seeing the bridge not long before it was demolished. My girlfriend and I used to drive down from Gloucester to walk in the Forest of Dean. She became my wife and we would walk along the towpath while she was still able, during the last months of her life.
@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron. It's all about councils cut backs, which is the start of a slippery slope and very expensive to fix. The railways and canals have a similar problem. It annoys me, just because it will cost so much more to repair a damaged bridge or building.
Thanks, another interesting production. I did read somewhere that the cost of demolition was 800k !!! which was more than the cost of repairs. Must be some politics driving the decision
Rod, the estimated cost to rebuild the bridge was £312k against and estimated demolition cost of £250k. Due to the significant use being made of the bridge at that time, especially the daily use of the service to take children from Sharpness to the grammar school in Lydney, the chairman of the highways committee considered that, due to the small difference of £60k, the bridge should be re-built. Consequently, an underwater examination was carried out in Dec 1961 and extensive damage to pier 16 was found. However, days before a wooden trestle bridge was to be erected to start work on the pier, an upturned tanker barge drifted out of control and struck pier 20 on 17th Feb 1961. It was estimated that this incident added another £12,740 worth of damage to the bridge. This wasn't the end of the problems however as a floating crane broke away from it's anchorage on 14th April 1961 and hit the bridge causing another £6k worth of damage! Things remained in limbo for many years after this with various ad hoc discussions taking place regarding the future of the bridge before a final decision to demolish it was made. Even then, it took over 4 years for the bridge to be completely demolished, due to contractual issues, with the last part being removed in Jan 1970. Ironically, during the demolition, the stump of pier no 2 was impacted on 4th Jul 1969 by the "Severn King" which had gone adrift during a high tide. It took until 28th Jul to re-float the vessel and tow her back to Sharpness for scrapping.
@@757trev This was well described by “Rails to the Forest, S&WR Berkeley Road to Norchard” by Dean Forest Railway Museum Trust 2010, ISBN 978 1 85794 345 0. Severn King, which was one of the redundant ferries after the first Severn Crossing was opened in 1966. It had been acquired by the main contractor, Nordman Construction, and had been fitted with a crane for use on this job. Part of the “contractual issue” was the bankruptcy of the contractor. The ownership had been transferred to a replacement contractor, whose name was not quoted, when the incident to do with demolition of the pier stumps occurred in 1969.
Ron, that brought back some memories. Thanks. My cousin Barry was one of the crew on the Darleydale but he left a few months before the accident.. I will show him the film when I return from Wareham where I am on holiday.
The bridge was struck because the two barges had collided in fog with a strong tide and we're unable to steer. I believe the survivors swam ashore which is quite a feat of strength considering the conditions at the time. Nice to see a "Tug" ( Class 60 ) making a guest appearance across the river.
Hello Ron - greetings from a very hot and sunny Poland You may or may not be aware of a short video on UA-cam about this disaster. The channel is "Steve Knibbs - BBC Points West". The vlog is:- "Severn Railway Bridge Disaster 60th. Anniversary" If you haven't seen it, I recommend you take a look. If you already know about it, then I'm sorry if I've interrupted your day
Hi Michael, thank you very much, no I had not seen it, superb documentary. You are never an interruption Michael, you can contact me when ever you like. Look after yourself. Ron
From what I believe it would have been cheaper to rebuild the railway rather than demolish, after the contract for the heavy lifting dutch company wasn't interpreted properly which imposed very expensive day rates.
Hi Ron, You never fail to amaze me at the depth of detail you bring us in these video's but on this one you have excelled yourself, thank you. This is one I will watch again and again I am sure about that. After watching it it struck me what might have been today had the accident not have happened - What tends to be forgotten at the time of the accident BR were strengthening the bridge to enable heavier locomotives to use it, there were plans to put back the double line that had been reduced to single and double the rest of the line except between each end of the bridge. The reason for this was to use it not only as a diversionary line but to take some of the loadings off the lines to the east of Severn Tunnel Junction. Today we might have had not only the line between Otters Pool Junction and Berkeley Road complete but also the line between Berkeley Loop Junction and Berkeley Road South Junction. If only Marine Insurance Law had not been limited to £5,000 compensation in this case then BR would have obtained the necessary compensation to rebuild the bridge. The Signalling across the bridge was rather unusual, the Signal Box on the bridge was not a token exchange point it was within the Severn Bridge - Sharpness Section. When the bridge needed to be swung you had to make sure it could not be if the token for the Severn Bridge to Sharpness Section was "out" (with a train driver) for obvious reasons. To swing the bridge the Sharpness Swing Bridge Box Signalman had to ask permission from both the Severn Bridge and Sharpness Signalmen, the two signalmen would hold in the button on there token instruments at the same time that would enable the Sharpness Swing Bridge Box Signalmen to get a release for his locking leaver (that in itself would lock the token instruments at both Severn Bridge Box and Sharpness Signal box's so either signalmen could not get a token out) so enabling the bridge to be swung. Andrew.
Brilliant Andrew, the sort of info that I enjoy, I'm sure everyone will love it. Ron
Fascinating detail as always Andrew and combines perfectly with Ron’s expert production. I seem to remember reading that if the bridge had remained open the east bound junction at Yate / Westerleigh with the London line via Badminton would not have closed. Or perhaps that was just an excuse.
@@rodneymasters5996 Hi Rodney thank you for your kind comments, your correct the East Bound Junction at Yate to Westerleigh would almost certainly have remained open as it would have formed part of the re-routing when the Severn tunnel was closed. Regards, Andrew.
@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron, I should have said - During the end of the 1960's I travelled on a train from Birmingham NS to Swansea High Street this involved going under the stone viaduct you visited last week, at the same time I was lucky enough to see the damaged Severn Bridge before it was removed. Andrew.
@@andrewmerriman7133 Wow, a priceless memory Andrew, that is amazing. Ron
Hi Ron. Thank you for the latest video on the Severn Bridge disaster and associated remains. Again, it is an area and a story I am very familiar with and thought that you related it superbly. Your patience and tenacity in finding the wrecks was impressive! Having not been there for a while I was amazed at how quickly the wrecks are deteriorating: they remained fairly unchanged for many years, but seem to have taken a sudden turn for the worst. I was going to add more detail as to the operation of the railway and swing bridge at the time of the accident, but remembered to check Andrew's post first, and, as usual, he has covered this aspect comprehensively! However, I can add some information about the early days of the bridge and associated accidents prior to the collision in 1960. The bridge was built by the Severn Bridge Railway Company (formed 18th July 1872). Construction started in 1875 with the foundation stone being laid on 3rd July of that year. There were three fatalities during the construction of the bridge, although only one happened on the bridge itself, when Thomas Roberts of Viney Hill fell from the bridge on 3rd June 1879. The other two fatalities occurred during the construction of the approach tunnel on the Lydney side (John Tomkins of Ruardean on 8th Jan 1878) and on the viaduct on the Lydney side (William Aston of Lydney on 1st Mar 1879). The first train to test the newly constructed bridge left Lydney at lunchtime on 3rd Sep 1879. It carried directors and managers from the company. On the return journey at around 14:30, their train stopped on the bridge to allow the passengers to alight and inspect the bridge. The first collision with the bridge by a boat was on 6th Sep 1879 prior to it's opening. Two of the three people on the boat (which was cut in two by the impact with span no 19) survived, but the third person was lost to the fast flowing river and his body was not located and recovered until three days later. The official opening of the bridge was on Friday 17th Oct 1897 exactly 100 years to the day after the completion of Iron Bridge further up the Severn. This was, of course, the first bridge to be made of iron in England. Well I'll stop there, I could go on for pages about this fascinating story in Gloucestershire's history! Thanks again Ron, regards, Trev
Hi Trev, Fantastic information you have supplied us with here thank you for posting it I am sure when Ron reads it he will be well impressed, I was aware of some of this information but not all of it. I try to keep my posts to layouts and operations which is the main area of my knowledge and leave other aspects to yourself and others. I think that is a good way to encourage as many viewers as possible to read the comments and also take some of the easier work off Ron and at the same time provide him with the support he deserves. Regards, Andrew.
Hi Trev, thank you so much for posting this info, between you and Andrew, you are making this channel, a go to site for anyone who wants to delve into railway history. Hope you are keeping well. Ron
I haven't walked down that way in years Ron. That basin at the end is stuffed full of the biggest carp you have ever seen.
I took the wife down there for a walk and came across the concrete boats. The hardest job of my life was trying to explain how a concrete boat can float whilst a brick obviously doesn't. You must have done a lot of planning to get down there on the spring tide to find those tankers. Thank you.
Hi Simon, you sure know how to show a girl a good time. Are you certain she wanted to go there rather than the shops? Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks She enjoys walking the canal and the stroud canal. Especially if there is a pub involved.
@@thehairygolfer Sounds like my sort of girl. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks You may take ownership anytime you like!
@@thehairygolfer You must be fairly certain she doesn't read the comments then. Ron
Hello Ron - greetings from Poland.
In my opinion, that was one of your very best videos. The amount of detail you went into was amazing. No stone was left unturned. No barrier was too big. Nothing got in your way to reach your goal. Fantastic!
What might have been? - a question I think all your subscribers will be asking. For sure, if this terrible accident had not have happened, the land/sea scape would be completely different today. Why was the bridge found to be unecomical to repair? Poor insurance payout plus no money in the coffers I think.
Congratulations old friend. This vlog is a real winner and I shall watch it over again too.
Hi Michael, hope you and yours are well. What amazes me with the wreaks is how three people escaped, the river was said to be alight from shore to shore with blazing oil and petrol. It wasn't their time I guess. Nice weather here at the moment, hope you are getting some too, ideal for sitting in the garden with a cup of tea, and listening to the birds. Look after yourself, till next time, take care. Ron & Pauline
Amazing how you managed to struggle through the reed beds without falling over. It looked very difficult. Congratulations on your perseverance. Living near the Severn one has to know the tide times. The stone work on the arches and tower are truly amazing. The old craftsman took great pride in their work. I can never understand why steel wrecks are not salvaged for their content. You can see similar hulks when going into Portsea Island. Been there years. Just an eyesore really.
Great bit of filming Ron. Highly interesting and informative.
Hi both, I think the cost of removal exceeded the value, that or because there was loss of life it was felt better to leave them. Keep filming. Ron
Hi, Pounds Scrapyard is what you see just as you cross the last bridge onto the island, I think it was also on the left hand side at one time, but I think this is being made into a park and ride (or has been). It's now all condensed into the quay area, there used to be a submarine there as well.
Pounds was used in the 1970s Rock film Tommy, along with other places, Kings Theatre, South Parade pier (which burnt during the time when they filming).
It's definitely not pretty but I've always found it interesting ... I love my old town warts an'all.
Do you live nearby?
@@davidberlanny3308 Good morning David. We live near Andover which takes about an hour to reach Portsmouth. You are correct about the submarine. I can recall seeing it layed up there years ago Haven't been to Portsmouth much since lockdown, as the park & ride stopped running. We did, however make a video around the Southsea Castle and Clarence pier area a couple of years ago.
Search our channel for SOUTHSEA CASTLE
@@lionelmarytravels6003 Morning Lionel and Mary, I worked in Andover for a year or so about 25 years ago and used to commute. I dread to think what the traffic must be like these days on the M27, M3 perhaps less if people are still working at home.
It was always a favourite walk of mine Eastney to Old Portsmouth it's quite a way but the thought of a pint in the Still and West always drove me on!! I shall search your video out!!
Good luck from Spain!!
I admire your persistance and patience! Great video with some finely observed detail: wood, iron, and stonework - as you say, built to last. The two video's combined are a fitting tribute to a once magnificent Severn crossing. The tunnel may be quicker and more convenient, but I know which rail route I prefer - even if now, it's in the imagination, backed up by old photo's and splendid video's like yours. Well done!
Thanks Malcolm, what an amazing tribute to the builders if they had left more of the structure standing. Alas now gone forever. Ron
Another excellent video, Beautifully filmed, Ron. What extraordinary structures those bridges are, the craftsmanship is top class. Great sleuthing on display as always. Well done. Ron.
Thanks Ron, have you uploaded your latest film yet? I haven't seen it. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks not quite left the editing suite yet, still to add a bit of suitable music. I’ll definitely post on Monday. Ron
Thank you for pursuing this one. The video was well worth it for us.
No problem Charles, thanks for posting. Ron
Another great video, Ron, and all your hard work and persistence paid off handsomely. The stonework is superb, and I hope it remains there a lot longer. It's incredible how those wrecks have survived so long against the great force of the river. I would have expected them to be broken up or buried, but neither is true.
Hi Jim, I would have thought they would be gone by now, I think they must be full of river sand which is anchoring them in place. Enjoy your flying. Ron
Hi Ron those Tankers seemed in good condition rust wise😳……and those other river boats…. What stories they might tell? Well done for your perseverance 😎👍🏼
Hi Colin, I think they must get sand blasted with every high tide. I would love to hear those stories, fascinating. Ron
Hi again Ron,another good one;you,ve managed to drag me away from watching the Goodwood Festival of Speed! Good to see you going at low tide;watching the currents moving around those wreck remains was sobering.Further to my previous comments regarding the "Bore",I think I,m right in saying the Severn has the second highest tidal surge in the world after Newfounland
Chrs!
Hi Paul, good to hear from you, I thought the river was in Japan, but you may well be right. Take care. Ron
Walked along there back last year..... Lovely place full of history 👍🏻
Always a good walk around there. Ron
Wow! Your persistence paid off Ron. Great work 👍Yes, to see them properly, as you say, you need the best combination of weather, time, and tides. Some great footage here. Loved this. Thank you and take care, Paul 🙂👍
Thanks Paul, I have seen footage of people walking out to the wreaks, I wouldn't like to try it. Stay well. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks No, me neither! The Severn can be a dangerous and unpredictable river. Cheers, Paul 🙂
Hi Ron, this is one heck of a good video. Some terrific detective work on your behalf, coupled with a well written dialogue and voila, there is now a treasure trove of fascinating and very detailed responses. Well done to you and everyone who contributed to this video. Stay safe, stay exploring!!! Best wishes, Ian
Hi Ian, great to hear from you. That was a hard film to make, lots of muttering and complaining behind the camera so I'm glad you liked it. Stay in touch. Ron
Patience is not my strongest suit either Ron...nor is speaking in front of people, and I'm quite anti-social as well...somehow I manage to be a pretty fair teacher...go figure! Thanks for "take two" and for take one as well, both very interesting. I loved crossing the miniature Severn Bridge! Have a good week Ron, I'm still catching up on your older work now that I'm off...well, off except when I'm being bugged by OVM to throw a ball (the only thing she prefers to watching your videos with me, apparently).
Your description of you sounds exactly how I would describe me. without the teacher bit. Our daughter-in-law has decided to pack in teaching and do something else, - last few days. Ron
I did enjoy that,Ron. If the bridge hadn't got damaged, I wonder if it would have survived anyway
Hi Michael, it might have saved them the cost of the Severn tunnel. Ron
I regularly take a walk along the towpath from Purton to Sharpness, or in the other direction.. I did so most recently on Sunday last.
I can recall seeing the bridge not long before it was demolished.
My girlfriend and I used to drive down from Gloucester to walk in the Forest of Dean.
She became my wife and we would walk along the towpath while she was still able, during the last months of her life.
Graham, lovely post, thanks for sharing, I hope remembering was good for you. Ron
Graate video Ron I love it when you showd us the Gate was it locked
Happens all the time Jenson. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Thanks Ron 😊
@@Railwayexplorers No Problem Jenson. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Railway explorers system has sent a message to jenson
To Rn
Very interesting video. Thanks a lot.
Glad you enjoyed it Colin. Ron
Been along there. It was a lovely walk.
Hi Carol, it certainly is. Ron
I never understand why they allow bushes to grow out of old buildings. Its got to be the worst thing to do.
Interesting video, thanks
Hi Martyn, I wonder how many structures have been destroyed by the dreaded buddleia it's everywhere. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks Hi Ron. It's all about councils cut backs, which is the start of a slippery slope and very expensive to fix. The railways and canals have a similar problem. It annoys me, just because it will cost so much more to repair a damaged bridge or building.
@@martynbuzzing3327 Councils do seem to suffer from short term thinking sometimes Martyn. Ron
Thanks, another interesting production. I did read somewhere that the cost of demolition was 800k !!! which was more than the cost of repairs. Must be some politics driving the decision
Rod, that is absolutely stupid and so believable. Ron
Rod, the estimated cost to rebuild the bridge was £312k against and estimated demolition cost of £250k. Due to the significant use being made of the bridge at that time, especially the daily use of the service to take children from Sharpness to the grammar school in Lydney, the chairman of the highways committee considered that, due to the small difference of £60k, the bridge should be re-built. Consequently, an underwater examination was carried out in Dec 1961 and extensive damage to pier 16 was found. However, days before a wooden trestle bridge was to be erected to start work on the pier, an upturned tanker barge drifted out of control and struck pier 20 on 17th Feb 1961. It was estimated that this incident added another £12,740 worth of damage to the bridge. This wasn't the end of the problems however as a floating crane broke away from it's anchorage on 14th April 1961 and hit the bridge causing another £6k worth of damage! Things remained in limbo for many years after this with various ad hoc discussions taking place regarding the future of the bridge before a final decision to demolish it was made. Even then, it took over 4 years for the bridge to be completely demolished, due to contractual issues, with the last part being removed in Jan 1970. Ironically, during the demolition, the stump of pier no 2 was impacted on 4th Jul 1969 by the "Severn King" which had gone adrift during a high tide. It took until 28th Jul to re-float the vessel and tow her back to Sharpness for scrapping.
@@757trev This was well described by “Rails to the Forest, S&WR Berkeley Road to Norchard” by Dean Forest Railway Museum Trust 2010, ISBN 978 1 85794 345 0. Severn King, which was one of the redundant ferries after the first Severn Crossing was opened in 1966. It had been acquired by the main contractor, Nordman Construction, and had been fitted with a crane for use on this job. Part of the “contractual issue” was the bankruptcy of the contractor. The ownership had been transferred to a replacement contractor, whose name was not quoted, when the incident to do with demolition of the pier stumps occurred in 1969.
Ron, that brought back some memories. Thanks. My cousin Barry was one of the crew on the Darleydale but he left a few months before the accident.. I will show him the film when I return from Wareham where I am on holiday.
@@petersmith5574 Thanks Peter, sounds like a lucky escape. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Ron
THANK YOU RON. REGARDS R.
You are welcome Richard. Ron
The bridge was struck because the two barges had collided in fog with a strong tide and we're unable to steer.
I believe the survivors swam ashore which is quite a feat of strength considering the conditions at the time.
Nice to see a "Tug" ( Class 60 ) making a guest appearance across the river.
I have heard said that the river was ablaze from shore to shore with burning fuel. Goodness knows how they swam through that. Ron
theres a hell of a draft flowing through which makes me think it might be open both ends
I think they are full of sand. Ron
you could probably do a tunnel walk vid
Thanks for the info. Ron
Hello Ron - greetings from a very hot and sunny Poland
You may or may not be aware of a short video on UA-cam about this disaster. The channel is "Steve Knibbs - BBC Points West". The vlog is:-
"Severn Railway Bridge Disaster 60th. Anniversary"
If you haven't seen it, I recommend you take a look. If you already know about it, then I'm sorry if I've interrupted your day
Hi Michael, thank you very much, no I had not seen it, superb documentary. You are never an interruption Michael, you can contact me when ever you like. Look after yourself. Ron
On the night in question the locals tried saving them they could hear them screaming and the river was blaze
I think it was a miracle that there were any survivors. Ron
i have just discovered that the door on the drybrook tunnel is open at the lea bailey end . that's in the forest of dean
I was down there a short while ago but couldn't find any access route. Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks its quite a easy walk to the lea bailey end ... but the drybrook end is obvs on private property (hansons quarry)
@@pidster767 My biggest problem was finding somewhere to park, is there somewhere near that you know of? Ron
@@ParkinsonsWalks i park up by the entrance to the light railway track (tuck car in the side nit to block the gate).
@@pidster767 That is very helpful, thanks for that, I'll take a look. Ron
Correction on previous should be were not we're.
Got it Jeremy. Ron
At 3:34 the mooring ring was used by TS Vindicatrix the training ship. ua-cam.com/video/o087U6d7jiE/v-deo.html
Thanks for the info. Ron
You sound too laid-back to be impatient!
Hi Chris, my wife begs to differ. Ron
From what I believe it would have been cheaper to rebuild the railway rather than demolish, after the contract for the heavy lifting dutch company wasn't interpreted properly which imposed very expensive day rates.
Hi Willum, I think I read there were some politics behind the decision as well. Surprise, surprise. Ron
One of the victims from wastdale h lies in a unmarked grave in tirley church yard.
An amazing piece of information Oliver, thanks for that. Ron
That may be Jack Dudfield as he was from Haw Bridge.