The Sun.
London, England, 1825-05-17 00:00:00

INO ItTH and SOUTH SIIIELai PATENT
WROUGHT IRON SUSPENSION BRI DOE,
Designed by Captain SAM UE 14 BROWN, R.N.
PROSPECTUS.
Though the advantages that must be derived from the erec-
tion of a Suspension Bridge, over the. Tyne from North to
South Shields, both in a local and national point of view, are ob-
vious, a few of the most important may be thus enumerated :--
The population of North Shields and Ty.nemouth, and the
population of South Shields • and \Vestoe, form a total of
50,004,) • inhabitantseeexceeding any town on the great North
Road between London and Edinburgh ; but the river is a
great obstacle to general intercourse.
In passing, or conveying
.goods across the river at Shields
by boats, it must be acknowledged, that the risk, at all times
great, has been rendered more to of late by the increase of traf-
fic, and the rapid movements of the numerous steam vessels,
which greatly endanger the lives of persons crossing, of which
there are innumerable instances. The Bridge would remedy
the evil, and the large population of both towns, now divided,
would derive incalculable advantages from the Union. North
Shields -would then be within 7 miles of Sunderland, though.
at present ally person travelling post between those towns, will.
find the distance to be nearly 20 miles ; and the line of com-
munication between Sunderland and South'Shields with Mor-,
peth, the great mart for cattle, would be considerably shortened.
Sunderland is 27 miles front Morpcih by Newcastle, at present •
the only road; but by way of North Shields, where there is
'now an excellent turnpike, the . distance would be rednued to
23 miles. The distance front South Shields to Morpeth,
through Newcastle, is 26 miles, hilt by North Shields it would
not exceed 17 miles of good and level turnpike-road. In each
case, the hills and pavement, from the Barras Bridge at New-
'castle to the head of Gateshead (an inconvenience much com-
plained of, and which does more injury to ctutle than driving
them 6 or 7 miles upon an ordinary turnpike) would be avoid-
ed, and, the expense and delay of keeping the cattle upon the
road (no trifling consideration) would be saved.
The Resident in North Shields would have a conveyance
from his own door directly southward, whilst those of South
Shields and Sunderland would find a similar advantage in pro-
ceeding northward. ,
The increasing populous towns of Blyill and Hartley, (of
great consequence from eheir connection with collieries which
are multiplying in their neighbourhood) the former distant
from North Shields ten miles, the-latter six miles, both situated
on the sea coast, will receive the greatest benefit from the
' Bridge in their communication with the south, through sea--
port towns with which they have considerable and important
intercourse; and they will also. partake of the general improve.
intent of North and South Shields.
The persons interested in Sunderland Bridge and in the
roads froM South Shields to Durham and Stockton, front North
Shields to Newcastle' and from Shields to 2lorpeth, must
reap great advantage front the increase of passage which the
Bridge will promote.
The project will bear consideration not only as a mere matter of
local importance, but in a national point Of view, as regards the
advantage Government will derive from the facility which will
be given to the passage of troops, ordnance, and stores from
North to South Shields. Tyneraouth Castle has been long
used as a -depot. fur military stores ; but the want of a ready
communication with the southern bank of the river, was con-
stantly felt during the late war, when a bridge of barges and
flat bottomed boats was constructed at enormous expellee to
little purpose.
It is understood that the distance from North Shields to Edin-
burgh, by a 'coast road, is shorter than from Newcastle to that
city,- by five or six miles; and by a more level road ; and that a
saving of six or seven miles can be made in the distance from
York to South Shields. It follows, then that, by a Bridge over
the Tyne at Shields, thetlistance is shortened, between York
and Edinburgh, twelve or thirteen miles, which will deserve the
attention and support of his Lordship the Poxtinaster General
An alteration is about to be made in the running of the mail, to
puss from Sunderland to Newcastle, missing South Shields; yet
It is certain this !Demure, so serious an evil to the inhabitants,
is only resorted to for want of the projected Bridge.
It is needless to comment on the advantages which will result
to individuals whose estates are in the immediate vicinity of
'the Bridge; or the eastern parts of Durham and Northumber-
land. The establishment of a gOod market at Shields must
necessarily follow, from the encreased demand of the large
united population and the facility of supply.
• Though the great benefit the ancient and commercial town
of
_Newcastle, the capital of the North, must derive froM the
prosperity of Shields has not been stated as one of the advan-
tages to be calculated • upon from the Suspension Bridge, in
• ought-not to be overlooked, especially when the great increase
of trade is considered which must accrue from the proposed
rail-road to Carlisle.
Capt. Brown undertakes that the cost of the Bridge and erec-
tions shall not exceed 93,060/., which is to be provided for
by a capital of 100,0001. in shares of one hundred pounds
each. It only, therefore, remains to satisfy the Capitalist
that he will receive a-remunerating interest, of which there is
every prospect.- The tolls are estimated on the present existing
intercourse between the two towns anti adjacent country, at a
very-moderate calculation; to produce 6,0001. per annum, though
an- unmense increase may be fairly contemplated as soon as the
-Bridge-is opened. Indeed there can be no doubt, independent
of all the intercourse ofthe district, that this will be a consider-
able thoroughfare -for travellers pursuing.their route along the
-coast, who- will thus embrace the opportunity of crossing the
Bridges 'of Sunderland and Shields, the latter promising to be
one of the noblest works in the kingdom.
Lastly,- The advantages to be derived are not, as in most of
-the projects of the present day, fallacious or visionary ; there
can be no deception, •as the benefits, both public anti private,
may. bevo'nteniplated and appreciated by every one possessing
local knowledge.
N. B. Subscription lists are left at the banks in Newcastle,
Shields, Sunderland, Durham-, and Stockton ; and with Messrs.
Fry and Chapman, bankers, London. One-third of the capital
is already subscribed.