Iron Bridge

NPHS member, Brian Breacher has written the following poem dedicated to the Tickford Iron Bridge.
Brian lives close to the bridge and can see it from his window.
Tickford Bridge
For two hundred years Tickford Bridge has stood as testimony
to a distinguished legacy of local history.
The world's oldest cast-iron bridge carrying a full traffic load;
a Grade A listed monument on the B526 road.

Constructed in 1810 to be ornate and strong;
reinforced with carbon fibre and measuring fifty one paces long.
Made by Messrs Wilson, Walker, Provis and Yates,
just thirty four years after the birth of the United States.

Starting life as a toll bridge of special note;
mentioned in many books on Newport Pagnell so preciously wrote.
Coach and horses carrying the mail, droves of sheep, itinerants for hire,
and ladies in fine lace-trimmed attire.

Travellers between London and Leicester crossing the Lovat-cum-Ouzel,
cut through pasture idyllic and rural.
Towards the bridge the river glides at gentle pace,
whilst the royal swan lingers with such classical grace.

Passers-by gaze, fishermen dream, children swoon,
Aylesbury duck with mallard paddle and consume.
On a sunny day there's no lovelier green,
as the majestic willow and sycamore add colour to the river scene.

On such a note I ought to mention the grass,
for it's really quite rich and bright when seen as you walk past.
Such perfect places for a family feast,
with Lovat Meadow lying to the west and Castle Meadow at the east.

Oh! And all the fish that gather at the bridge when folk
encroach, the perch, large carp and orange finned roach.
Amid the current, yellow lily and green rushes grow;
then watch shoals of bleak in a symphony of movement go.

Tickford Bridge then, is the focal point of an attractive place,
of ancient buildings and prime fertile space.
Of commoner's rights, and many important visitors, of strangers,
soldiers and travellers right down the ages.

A fine landmark that's primarily known
for helping to make Newport Pagnell such a blessed, significant town.

Brian M Breacher September 2009.