2 minute read
Wanted urgently! Any information on George Double
Builder of bridges and pierheads, born Hadleigh (1840-1916)
Save our Bridge would like to hear from any surviving relatives of George Double (1840-1916) bridge builder of the River Stour. Any information or photographs that they might share with us would be invaluable.
George Double was born at 132 Benton Street in Hadleigh, the son of Cornelius Double and Susan Spooner from Somerton, Suffolk and the youngest of 7 siblings. He and his wife Emma Sadler had no children, only a surviving niece Ellen Elizabeth Laws. We have researched his fascinating life extensively but have no photograph of him.
He worked with John Dixon engineer as his trusty foreman raising Cleopatra’s Needle to upright position and as his site manager building the Hammersmith Bridge. He also built Llandudno Pier and the Cleveland Pier. His remaining bridges on the River Stour are at Boxted, Wormingford.
Boxted bridge is under threat of demolition and replacement by Essex Highways and SOB wants Highways to instead repair and strengthen it. Boxted bridge is a complete example of an 1897 arched steel girder bridge and is listed on the Colchester CC local list as a heritage asset. The bridge is much loved in Boxted and a favorite place to stop and enjoy the views over the millpond on the river Stour. Both Sir Alfred Munnings and John Nash were inspired to paint these views.
7700 members of the public have signed the petition. Objectors include Boxted, Stoke by Nayland, Langham and Dedham Parish Councils, Colchester CC, The Dedham Vale Society, SAVE Britain’s Heritage, Suffolk Preservation Society and numerous other conservation and heritage bodies. There is no need for a wider bridge for HGVs as all the surrounding lanes are single lane with passing places. Widening it for these is urban overkill in a quiet rural network of lanes with passing places. A Top Heritage engineer report urges Highways to investigate the repair and strengthening option further which involves far less disruption and cost.
Contact Lucinda de Jasay: 07932 626284 –lucinda@douglas-menzies.com
Sign the petition at www.change.org/saveboxtedbridgeBoxted
