Brunel’s iron footbridge in Bath’s Sydney Gardens, Box Tunnel near Corsham and the stone Pixash Lane Bridge near Saltford, are among more than 40 historic railway buildings and structures on the Great Western main line to be safeguarded by the Government.
The Sydney Gardens footbridge has been upgraded to Grade II*, the second-highest level for listed buildings. Built in 1841 to Brunel’s design, it is the last surviving example of the legendary engineer’s cast-iron bridges on the Great Western Railway.
The 1.83-mile long iconic Box Tunnel is regarded as one of the most extensive and famous of the pioneering Great Western Tunnels and has now been listed at Grade II. Construction started in 1836 and when it opened in 1841 it was the longest railway tunnel in the world.
Also safeguarded by the new list are the stone bridge over the line at Pixash, between Saltford and Keynsham, and the entrance portals of the Chipping Sodbury tunnel and its six ventilator shafts. The battlemented tops of these structures, which allowed the release of smoke and fumes from the two-and-a-half mile long tunnel, were intended to make them look like follies, thereby reducing their visual impact on the nearby Badminton estate.
In total 35 new listings and seven previously-listed structures along Brunel’s London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads line – one of the most important railways in the world – are included in the upgrade by the Department for Culture Media and Sport.
Heritage minister John Penrose said: “Our railways and the historic buildings that go along with them are a wonderful and emotive part of our national heritage, symbolising for many of us a sense of romance, history and adventure. And nowhere more so, perhaps, than on the Great Western Railway. I am very pleased to be able to give these buildings, bridges and tunnels the extra protection that listing provides.”
Emily Gee, head of designation at English Heritage, which recommended the structures following extensive consultation with railway heritage and conservation groups, said: “This scale of consultation on designation cases is unusual for English Heritage and we were delighted with the thoughtful responses we received from railway history experts, local authorities and other heritage bodies. I am also impressed by Network Rail’s commitment to respecting the special structures in their care. We certainly hope to do more of this kind of partnership working with protection outcomes under our National Heritage Protection Plan”.
Network Rail route managing director Patrick Hallgate added: “The Great Western railway is undergoing the biggest investment since it was built in order to deliver faster and more reliable journeys for passengers. The results of the consultation carried out by English Heritage, and supported by Network Rail, provide an important step forward in modernising this historic rail route. It enables us to make informed decisions and, critically, protect sensitive structures whilst delivering major improvement work.”
