The Royal Border Bridge in Berwick-upon-Tweed is a Grade I listed railway viaduct, opened by Queen Victoria in 1850. Despite its descriptive name, it does not span the border between England and Scotland: it runs about 3 miles too far south.
It is an impressive piece of architecture, designed by Robert Stephenson for the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway. Its measurements are impressive too: 28 arches, 15 over land and 13 over river; each arch spans 18 m; total of 659 metres in length; rails are 37 m above river level; 227,000 m3 of stone; 2.5 million bricks; 2,700 builders.
For all its age and glamour, it is still in operation, as part of the East Coast Main Line. In fact, I trundled across it today en route from Edinburgh to London. It gives great views of the River Tweed and Berwick’s other bridges.
Being a Grade 1 listed structure, it is well protected and cared for. In 1989, upgrade was required as part of the electrification programme, and its overhead line infrastructure was carefully designed for reduced visual impact and approved by the Royal Fine Art Commission.
It underwent repairs between 1993 and 1996, and it had a coloured lighting system added in 2016 to flaunt its stature at night.
–
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 23 April 2019
Posted as part of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge
Travel with Intent 
It’s a grand and dramatic looking piece of architecture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now a Berwick (or at least Spittal) resident, I’m often drawn back to photograph this bridge in different combinations of weather, tide and light. You’ve caught an atmospheric selection of views in your one short visit.
LikeLike
I’ll add this to my bucket list of bridges. Like all the angles in B&W. I posted another Victorian bridge today The Clifton in Bristol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love haven’t seen the Clifton for many years. But a few days in Bristol is on my list for this year!
I thoroughly recommend Berwick – several great bridges. I was only there for a couple of hours and the sun was in my way on many shots. I’m planning to return for a night stay some time.
LikeLike
Now I know a new place to add to my someday Scotch trip.
Bristol reminded me Of Berkeley CA
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the implication that this bridge is a many-mile long, very tall work of art! Of course it’s reminiscent of Roman bridges and aqueducts with the classical series of arches and brickwork. THanks for a ver beautiful photos!
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I kept thinking Roman. I had in my head that it was the oldest bridge in Berwick, but it isn’t.
LikeLike
I’ve been on that train over that bridge. Lovely to see what was under the train. Thanks Debbie 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a very useful train line. And it’s also worth getting off there. I had been there a long long time ago (in my student days) and was happy to get the chance to see it again
LikeLiked by 1 person
We saw Berwick on Tweed and ended up going to North Berwick as we had a car in Edinburgh
LikeLiked by 1 person
A good choice. Edinburgh is such a great city that many visitors don’t think to move outside, where there are many other places deserving a visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We did a big drive around most days as well as explore Edinburgh.
LikeLike
Quite a grand old structure
LikeLike
Stunning photos of an engineering wonder.
LikeLike
Debbie, you have some marvelous photos of that great bridge. 😀 😀
LikeLike
oh I bet the lights at night are awesome – and the day shots show its beauty.
I am looking forward to watching Season 3 of Victoria (hopefully soon) and this post will come to mind….
safe travels Deb
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures. It looks like a rainy day – I’m from misty Oregon so I love it
LikeLike