Photo Story #2 – Mathematical Bridge, Cambridge
I visited Cambridge around 2 years ago and took this photograph of the Mathematical Bridge, (this is not in fact it’s official name, it’s just known as that). There’s so much history in Cambridge that I’d definitely recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days there, and taking a look at this beautiful piece of antiquity.
Back to the Bridge..
I won’t go into the technicalities of the structure (because in all honesty, I don’t really understand them), but it’s genius in design. It is a grade ll listed building and bridges the river Cam by connecting two parts of Queens’ College. It was designed by William Etheridge and built by James Essex in the year 1749. Then it was rebuilt on two other occasions in 1866 and 1905.Â
The Maths..the simple explanation.
I cannot explain the intricate technicalities, as I mentioned above, of the mathematical construction of the bridge and design, because it involves tangents and radials, and a large amount of Physics which my brain cannot comprehend.
If there are any readers out there that would like to offer the explanation in a simple way for dullards like me to understand, I’d be eternally grateful? Â
So this is what I understand. That the bridge is arch-shaped and constructed by using short straight lengths of timber. This creates an extra strong compression force, which when constructed in this way, makes the wood stronger. You can see more clearly how the timbers are assembled in highlighted colours.
I wasn’t aware of how significant the design was until I returned home and read up on the subject after having taken the photograph. It was the loveliness of the day, the weather, the setting and the history of the town that blew me away.
I hope you like my photograph x
Pip
I am a mother of two children, and have had many experiences in my life that I have been through and had to overcome. I feel it would be beneficial (at least to me, and perhaps you) to share my experiences. I’d love to hear your comments and suggestions. x
8 Comments
Lenore | The Nitty Gritty Travel OT
I agree that the design of the bridge is fascinating. I’ve yet to visit Cambridge, but I’d love to. There’s so much to learn and explore!
Pip
There are so many places in Britain that are beautiful, and I have to visit many more. The city of York is next on my list.
TheQuietGirl (Anissa)
The design is definitely interesting looking, I really like the photo itself. Great post!
Pip
Thank you Anissa. I’ve visited your blog. I really like your content, it’s very interesting and different x
Unwanted Life
I was in Cambridge a few years ago to see a Witch exhibition that my partner wanted to see, or at least I think it was about witches. We had a look around the town but it seems we missed checking out this bridge, which my partner would have loved
Pip
There’s so much to see in Cambridge, so a good few days there is a good idea. Oxford is amazing too!
Irene
That’s amazing! The bridge design, and its history, are incredible. I can’t imagine figuring out how to build something that detailed now, let alone back in the days before calculators and computers. Incredible.
Pip
Wonderful design. I’d love to understand the maths of it. I think I need to take some time to really investigate and understand, because I really want too x