Swing Bridges

The Swing Bridge, between Canning Dock and Canning Half Tide Dock (The "Rennie Bridge") 
Circa 1846 
Grade II 

To the rear of the pumphouse stands the last survivor of the lightweight footbridges, which were essential for anyone who worked in the docks to cross water gaps. 

It is a double leaf bar-stayed design, built during the modernisation of Canning Half-tide Dock, possibly in 1845. Its association with Rennie is dubious, and it is more likely that it was designed by Hartley. 

After restoration in 1984 it was open for public use on a few special occasions, but its handrails cannot be made to meet current safety requirements, so it is now a static exhibit. 

Swing Bridge over Entrance to Canning Dock   
(The 'Hartley Bridge')   
Circa 1845 
Grade II 

Ironically, while the 'Rennie Bridge' was probably designed by Hartley, the 'Hartley Bridge' has a definite connection with Rennie. 

It is a virtually standard design of double leaf Swing Bridge adopted on many of the dock passages, probably introduced by Ralph Chapman in London, and certainly brought to Liverpool by John Rennie for use at Princes Dock (opened 1821). 

It works as a pair of cantilevers when swung 'off' or when virtually unladen, but as a three-pin arch when laden. It is the last survivor of its kind.