This is a piece of the second iron bar that was part of Brunel's suspended traveller, a basket car which hung from an iron bar 305 m (1,000 ft) long suspended across the gorge. It was erected in August 1836 to enable people and materials to cross the gorge during the initial construction of the bridge.
The first bar was dropped during its erection, causing it to kink. Following an incident on 27th August 1836, the bar was taken down and replaced. Brunel ordered a new, thicker bar 5 cm (2") in diameter to be made and within four weeks it had been installed on site. By 27th September 1836, Brunel made the first successful crossing accompanied by the son of Captain Christopher Claxton, Secretary of the Bridge Committee. While free for workmen to cross on business, the public were charged and it became a thrilling attraction as well as a source of income for the company. In 1853 - when the original ironwork of the bridge was sold off - the bar was taken down and parts of it were cut up and kept as souvenirs.
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GB 3493 079
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1836
GB 3493 147
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Item
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c. 1831
Grangerised from an unknown publication. Illustration number 1297.
unknown
2022-154
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Early twentieth century
GB 3493 176
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c. 1 January 1868
Inscribed ' Francis Williams / Almondsbury/ Jany 1st 1868'. Also decorated with an image of paddle steamer 'Victoria' inside and with dog on base.
unknown
GB 3493 178
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c. 1870
Silk interior containing sewing needles.
unknown
GB 3493 179
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c. 1863
GB 3493 180
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1864
GB 3493 183
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c. 1930 -1950
198/2
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c. 1863
GB 3493 010
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c. 1870 - 1914
Base of teapot is marked 'made in Germany'.
unknown