CHAPTER II.

_THE CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE._

A.D. 1829--1853. ÆTATIS 24--48.

Origin of the Undertaking--The First Competition, November 1829--Description of Mr. Brunel’s Plans--Mr. Telford’s Decision as Umpire--Mr. Telford’s Design--The Second Competition--Mr. Brunel appointed Engineer, March 1831--Commencement of the Works, August 1836--Description of the Design--Abandonment of the Works, 1853--Formation of a New Company and Completion of the Bridge, 1864--_Note_: The Hungerford Suspension Bridge.....46