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Trevor Edwards | profile | all galleries >> Sheppey Pictures and Postcards >> Kingsferry Bridge tree view | thumbnails | slideshow | map

Kingsferry Bridge

Not just the Kingsferry bridge, but the old bridge and the new Swale crossing as it's built.
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During the reign of Edward I (1239-1307), according to the historian Charles Igglesden, a bridge connected Sheppey to the mainland at Elmley. It was called the Tremsethg Bridge but was lost in a freak tidal wave and never replaced.

In much more modern times, the Kingsferry Bridge (replacing the ferry) has been built. There have been three bridges, each having to be built to allow passage along the navigable waterway to The Swale:

July 19, 1860: The South Eastern Railway built this first bridge to an Admiralty design. It had a central span raised from two towers. Trains and road traffic were able to use it, as with the next two bridges.
November 6, 1906: The South Eastern and Chatham Railway replaced the first bridge with one having a "rolling lift" design. It was originally worked by hand, but later by electricity.
October 1959: The present bridge was built. It is a lifting bridge, able to lift both the road and the railway line to allow ships to pass beneath.
(Information on the bridge from Railways of the Southern Region Geoffrey Body (PSL Field Guide 1884)

A gradual increase in traffic flows to and from Sheppey brought increasingly bad vehicle holdups, and construction of a second road bridge began in early 2004; it is due to be completed by summer 2006. This bridge differs from previous bridges in that it is fixed, rising to a height of 20m above the Swale. This bridge will carry the improved A249 trunk road, also opening in summer 2006.
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Sheila Newberry 09-Oct-2014 09:14
Inspired by my father, John Langley, born to a naval family in Sheerness in 1890, I wrote my novel Tilly's Family,in 1996, recalling his childhood days. He remembered the great freeze of 1995 when water was rationed and living in a house "under the sea wall."
He also knew the German Photographer who was under suspicion in WW1 for taking photographs of the fleet.He was arrested, tried and deported, although he had lived on the island for many years. I am now writing a children's story and have "revisted the island" - set in 1954, so found the pictures on your site most interesting.
Brian Pask 16-May-2014 09:16
I have just found your superb selection of photos of the various Sheppey bridges. There is however one error in the introduction - the railway line to Sheerness and the original bridge were built by the London Chatham & Dover Railway, NOT the South Eastern Railway. (These two were bitter rivals until they came under common management as the South Eastern & Chatham Railway.) What led me to the site was an article I am writing on railway toll tickets, and I have been trying to find a list of tolls for the Kings Ferry Bridge. Does anyone know of the whereabouts of such a list?
joseantonio20-Oct-2013 10:47
Great gallery with some lovely images.V.
Bob Thomas 28-Dec-2012 01:09
G'day from Australia.
As a child of a RN sailor we travelled a lot, eventually settling down on the 'Island' in the 1960's. Dad held a job as a prison officer at Eastchurch, (the first airdrome in England), then worked in communications at Garrison Point.
We went to the primary school at Halfway, then I went to Sheerness Central until the 'new' secondary mod opened up.
The island was a superb place to grow up on. We played in the 'glen' and the the 'Bunny Bank'. We often played at the beach using the old WWII concrete bunkers.
We departed the Island in 1970. There are people from the Island who we have known for since our arrival. Great to keep in touch.
What was the troop of sea scouts near the old Minster abbey known as?
All the best for 2013.
Regards
Bob Thoma
Hardwin Again 02-Feb-2012 06:55
Apologies. It was not a German ship but an American ship carrying explosives.
Hardwin 11-Jan-2012 21:16
I forgot to mention it will be my first time back since since 1965.
Hardwin 11-Jan-2012 21:12
Can I be your first new fan for 2012.I am very impressed with your website. Being one of a family of seven - in the 50's and early 60's - we all used to visit my mothers mum, dad and what seemed like lots of aunts uncles and cousins on the island. When the wind was blowing the right way we used to hear a bell ringing out from the German shipwreck. I also remember the balloon targets and naval practice sessions.
The old bridge [pre 1959] was very interesting for me as an 8 year old but it had to go.
I happen to be visiting Sheppey this Sunday. Shall I go for the Kingsferry Bridge or the Sheppey Crossing? What does anyone suggest?
Milan Vogrin18-Sep-2011 11:21
Nice presentation!
Fred Stockbridge 08-Jun-2011 07:49
the new crosing is great, I left the island in 1962 and went to australia to live,have c been back a couple of times and was very impressed with it and it a nice view when you get over the top. followed the construction of the crossing on the internet great job,
8th june 2011.
Ann Lewis 24-Mar-2011 13:51
As a child in the 1950's I used to visit the Isle of Sheppey (Minster) to see my Aunt. My mother and father and I used to go by car and on one particular occassion we were held up for several hours because the bridge jammed open and all traffic came to a standstill. We couldn't turn round and go home as the roads were so narrow and it was impossible. We just had to sit and wait.
Ian Dalgliesh27-Nov-2010 07:12
An illuminating gallery with many superb images.Thanks for sharing.V.
Caroline 16-Jul-2010 22:20
I went over that bridge (and the new Sheppey Crossing Bridge) for the first time five days ago and I was extremely impressed. I managed to get a video of Kingsferry Bridge doing its thing and I felt just like a kid as I watched it going up and down :)!
Guest 16-Jun-2010 16:22
Fantastic pictures. Great memories of being a kid and going to Sheppey on holiday in the 1970's. Us kids always looked out to be the first to see the bridge - the first one getting to sing out "I can see the bridge, I can see the bridge......."
geraldine hunt 11-Mar-2010 09:06
Hi Trev
Do you have a contact number as we have a retirement do tomorrow and alarge print would be great of the Kingferry Bridge
Can you help
Gerry Hunt 01795 473333
Les Neaves 10-Dec-2009 17:51
I was born in Sittingbourne And went to The Sheerness Technical School 1942 to 1945. We went to Sheerness by train. If we arrived at the old cantilever bridge was up to let a boat through, we were then late for school.
In July this year I visited the island and thought it would have great if the new bridge had been there in the 1940's but perhaps if it had been there then the Germans would have bombed it.
If you have not been to the island it is well worth a visit.
kentboi1994 12-Oct-2009 20:03
i live in sheerness and i get really excited when i learn about the history of sheerness it is just exciting
David Thurman-Newell 18-Sep-2009 23:14
what an excellent array of pictures,well done to trevor and all the contributors!
Mark B 23-Sep-2008 09:11
According to various pieces of information on the internet, the Kingsferry Bridge is one of two bridges of the same design in the world. Firstly is this correct, secondly if it is correct, where is the other bridge of the same design?
david baillie 21-Aug-2008 14:25
dear mr edwards,i have in possesion the same postcard of the two bridges b&w 1958/59 do you think it possible to insert this pic into your 21-01-06 3jpg image and get all three
bridges in one picture,the 1906 bridge is very close to the 1959 one,it might just be
possible,as a swampy i am proud of our bridges.DB.
Helen 18-Aug-2008 15:11
This is a brill site and brings back many memories for me. Although I have left the island I still have a fondness for visiting.
Zoltán Balogh25-Jul-2008 19:03
Great work Trevor, I loved your aerial shots of the bridge being built very much! V
Trevor Edwards03-Jan-2008 15:09
That would be nice chris. I sent an email but the address you gave was unknown.
chris 02-Jan-2008 21:41
i find the new bridge great to go over much better than all the wait i took some great photoes wen going over the day it opend any one interested in some ???
maureen p. carr 22-Jul-2007 21:00
I was actually looking to find information on the Duchess of Kent Bridge St. Homerton and this site appeared. Where is the Duchess of Kent Bridge? I'm doing genealogy work and the bridge info appeared in an article.
connor 14-Jul-2007 20:31
ye need some of new bridge
Guest 12-Aug-2006 15:29
last time we cross kingsferry bridge we when a cross 6 june 2006
David 02-Jul-2006 19:21
Sheppey crossing? Oh please. It doesn't cross Sheppey, it crosses the Swale. If it's named for crossing to Sheppey, what about when you are doing the sensible thing and leaving?
Given the islands history, there must be something better. Trafalgar bridge?
How about a sweep on the first fatal through someone taking it too fast?
SS 27-Jun-2006 17:04
they say the new bridge (the shsppey crossing) will be closed 4-5 days a year, so wouldn't a tunnel of been better, maybe not they might of charged us to get on the island til the tunnel was paid for like at dratford but then never remove the toll
Guest 26-Jun-2006 21:35
Mark,
According to the Highways Agency:
The Kingsferry Bridge will be retained for local traffic
and will provide an alternative route to the new
crossing on and off the Isle of Sheppey.
Ken
MArk Benton 11-Jun-2006 12:58
Dear Sirs,
Please advise as to whether motorist will still be able to use the current kingsferry bridge after the new one is open.I travel to the Island several times a year on business but have a fear of heights,which means that I am unable to go over structurs such as the one at Dartford,and will not be able to cross this new one.As the bridge will need to remain for the railway I feel that what will then become light usage,should not present a problem to the current structure.
I would much appreciate your reply as soon as possible.

Regards

Mark Benton
maria ballard 05-Jun-2006 08:52
went will it be opening we go over there every week the work on the bridge look finshed
Guest 23-May-2006 15:31
Found out the information ? The Highways Agency invited people to offer suggestions for the name of the new Swale Crossing. The Highways Agency received more than 700 entries for the Name the Crossing competition and the Judging Panel met in December 2005 to chose the winning entry. Entries received included names based on naval and aviation themes and figures from the Island's history.

The most popular names suggested were variations incorporating the words Sheppey or Swale and the Judging Panel considered that there was strong local support for a name that would convey a sense of local identity, be unique and also mean something to the majority of local residents. It was felt that the name "The Sheppey Crossing", suggested by Minster-on-Sea resident Mr Grimwade, satisfied these criteria best.

Dr Stephen Ladyman, Minister for Transport, said:

"We are delighted with the response to the competition to name the bridge. The name reflects the local identity of this important project. The Sheppey Crossing is evidence of the Government's commitment to improve transport in the area and we look forward to its opening in the summer."
Guest 17-May-2006 17:41
Hi I have been contact on the kingsferrybridge comapny they told me that they will try to get photos before finished the new bridge but at the moment they cannot do it because over been cloudy at sometime the person told me "We are hoping to get one more set before the bridge is completed and then we will be making up a CD of photos showing the stages of the construction of the bridge. These will be on sale later in the year for £7 each". I hope that will help you thanks
Stuart Kerridge 16-Apr-2006 03:54
Hi great pics. I lived in Minster from 1963 to 1980 love the Island I now live in Canada near Toronto. Everyone ask's where im from I tell them this great place called The Isle of Sheppey. It has history storys and lots of carachter. The new bridge won't change that. Stuart K.
john 02-Apr-2006 00:33
the Dutchess of kent bridge as she opened the last one ?
john 02-Apr-2006 00:29
the swampy Bridge sounds great, should have a big sign on the entrance to the island saying welcome to swamp island.;)
leah 31-Mar-2006 09:51
hiya i love what your doing i used top live there and i miss it so much i was 13 wen i left im 15 now and im comin bk lol send me update pics plz
W Manning 07-Feb-2006 19:56
1956 Kingsferry Bridge damaged by tanker, RE sappers built a floating pontoon bridge.
any information. as I was one of the sappers.
John Cooper29-Jan-2006 13:10
Irrespective of any official name, most people will call it "The New Sheppey Bridge".
Trevor Edwards27-Jan-2006 23:24
Cheers "Guest", new pics up, and links to the full sized ones in place.
Guest 27-Jan-2006 17:41
http://www.kingsferrybridge.co.uk/gallery.htm more new bridges from 27/01/2006 please check new pictures
alan 11-Jan-2006 16:30
hip hip herray i think it should be called freedom way
Guest 06-Jan-2006 12:19
I love sheppey it mite not have much but its home
carlys 05-Jan-2006 11:45
bout bloody time bridge sounds good to us!!! WE LOVE ISLE OF SHEPPEY ROCK ON U SWAMPYS!!!! love from THIS IS THE CARLYS XXXXXXX shout out to ma homies or ne one that knows us!!!! we love you dudes (and dudesses)!!
Disco Dave. 03-Jan-2006 16:44
Great pictures.I used to live at Bartons Hill Drive 1987-96 but now living in sunny Spain.Oh how i miss those poxy traffic jams when the bridge was lifted,especially when trying to get to UK Paper for the 2-10 shift.Happy Days.? All the best Disco Dave.
Guest 15-Dec-2005 20:36
stayed on sheppey for the entire summer we loved it! how about Montgomerys Way? for the name of the new crossover? we are coming back next year just to drive over it! :- tracey from manchester
guest 06-Dec-2005 20:38
great pictures. I think the bridge should be called the mainland link and for those who always run sheppey down, stay on the mainland.
roger vyvyan 20-Nov-2005 09:05
A really excellent collection of photographs and highly informative. Just keep updating them and you will be doing not only Sheppey, but all of Kent a great service.
Guest 10-Nov-2005 14:34
The Old bridge called KINGSFERRY why not have new bridge called QUEENSFERRY like KINGS & QUEENS ??
DJ 08-Nov-2005 18:30
Why do you called it "The Swampy Bridge" as it got any Alligator or Crocodile in there??? '8o)
DD 07-Nov-2005 15:50
What about " the swampy bridge "
jon 01-Nov-2005 11:58
good
David 31-Oct-2005 14:35
I think The Swale Crossing is the best name cos it part of the KENT and ISLE OF SHEPPEY in the middle so why not call the bridge THE SWALE CROSSING?
Mark B 28-Oct-2005 09:56
How about Grey Dolphin Crossing?
John Cooper20-Oct-2005 19:13
"Blair Bridge" no way Mohammed!
Trevor Edwards17-Oct-2005 18:20
Someone else said "The About Bloody Time Bridge". Or a bit more sensible:-
"The Swale Crossing", "Nelsons Way", "Admirals Way", "The Queensferry Bridge", "Blair Bridge",
"Shurland Crossing/Bridge", "Sheppey Way/Crossing"
Any other suggestions?
Guest 17-Oct-2005 17:59
Name suggestions for the new Bridge... for us sailors it's a godsend....
Sailor's Bridge. Yachtsman's Pass.
Chris Curling 16-Oct-2005 08:00
I have lived on the Island for 13 years and found your pictures this morning. It's good to see a good photographic history unfold on the web. I especially like the Kingsferry Bridge gallery and to see the evolution of this crossing over the years. Some fantasic aerial shots, either your incredibly tall or have a friend with a Helicopter!!!. Keep it up, your photo's are a credit to you
Ken Harris 10-Oct-2005 20:31
Thank you for the latest update - 26 September - fabulous pictures!
Graham 23-Sep-2005 18:29
Sorry Trevor it should have been detent_666@yahoo.com.
Trevor Edwards14-Sep-2005 12:44
Graham "detent_666@yahoo.co.uk". I tried to email you a reply, but it got bounced back.
Is the address valid?
Graham 13-Sep-2005 07:29
Hi Trevor is there any chance I could use a couple of your pictures in an essay I have to write towards my degree, I am currently studying construction technology.
Ken Harris 19-Aug-2005 00:04
When are you planning on updating the pictures, please.
Guest 08-Aug-2005 20:41
excellent pics!
Richie 31-Jul-2005 12:19
Great album, looking at pics of kingsferry bridge in construction, is the rumour about the man who got incased in concrete while building true, apparently he is still there somwhere, they never found him? true of false?
Trevor Edwards25-Jul-2005 20:39
Hello Faye. In answer to your question.
I hope it will be finished next week, but in reality I think we've got another year yet.
Estimated time is Summer 2006.
faye 25-Jul-2005 18:31
hey ya i live on the iale of sheppey in minster and jus wonderin wen you think new bridge will be done? love faye x x x
David 21-May-2005 22:48
I have been looking at all your pictures it look lovely collection on Isle of Sheppey from OLD to NEW places keep it up Trevor excellent work :) Anymore updating on Isle of Sheppey? :)
royboy 19-Apr-2005 22:37
Good pic's Trev, any more upto date pic's of new bridge?
ARCHIE 08-Apr-2005 06:58
Keep them coming Trev
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