Suspension Bridge, Whitesands, Dumfries

Whitesands Suspension footbridge, Dumfries

The suspension bridge in Dumfries is a footbridge across the river Nith on the whitesands.

This 'Category B' listed iron suspension bridge was built in 1875 in order to allow easy access for mill girls to cross to and from textile mills that had been built on both sides of the river Nith in the 19^th century. Dumfries was a prosperous town in the 19^th century and business in the manufacturing of hosiery, especially lamb’s wool, was booming. This gave employment to many women at the time. The women were said to be ‘so enthusiastic about the bridge that they had to be reprimanded for marching across in step with their heavy clogs and making the bridge swing dramatically!!’

Decorative and commemorative cross-brace, which, once held the lamps

In the middle of the cross-brace is, a burgh seal that shows the Archangel Michael triumphing over Satan in the form of a serpent. The burgh seal dates from the 13th century when dedications to St Michael were prevalent in areas of Anglo-Norman settlement and can be seen on historical buildings across Dumfries.

Coat of Arms 1707

On the iron railings the finials are 'fleur de lys' a symbol which dated back nearly two millennia. Which also features on the crown jewels of England and Scotland.

Iron railings with fleur de lys finials

Sources;

Dumfries Time Traveller: Follow in the footsteps of Burns, Bruce and Barrie through eight centuries of Dumfries history.

J.A. Mackay (1990) - Pictoral History of Dumfries

Fortune P., McMillan H. - Dumfries : A history and celebration