For a detailed description of the intrenched position, see Chapter V.
20.—THE IRON BRIDGE.[1]
This graceful structure consists of three cast-iron arches, supported on piers and abutments of brick masonry, the centre arch having a span of ninety and a rise of seven feet, while the two side arches have spans of eighty feet and a rise of six feet. The iron-work was received from, England in 1798, during the reign of Nawab sadat Ali Khan, only twenty years after the erection of the first iron bridge in England, General Martin, who was then living at Lucknow, having, it is supposed, suggested the idea to the Nawab. The bridge was designed by Rennie, being very similar to one erected by that famous Engineer over the Witham, at Boston, in Lincolnshire. The iron-work remained unused at Lucknow more than forty years,when the bridge was at length erected by Colonel Fraser, Bengal Engineers, between the years 1841-44; the cost of the masonry and erection having been Rs. 1,80,000; the cost of the iron-work is not known. The foundations are sunk on wells in the usual way. The width of road-way is thirty feet, and its height above water-mark at the centre is thirty-five feet.—Professional Papers on Indian Engineering.
21.—THE STONE BRIDGE.
The Gumti as it passes through Lucknow is crossed by six bridges. The stone bridge, as it is commonly called, situate near the Machhi Bawan, is not built of stone, but of pacca brickwork. The construction of this bridge was commenced by Nawab Munsur Ali Khan and completed by his grandson, Nawab Asuf-ud-daula, in the year 1780. The bridge, being considered unsafe, is now closed against wheel traffic.
22.—MACHHI BAWAN.
The Machhi Bawan[2] fort (now demolished) comprised a much larger area than that which was contained within the limits of the old fort of that name and which was surrounded by high walls, the side facing the river having the appearance of a castle. Towards the river front the fortifications commanded the stone and iron
- ↑ The Kookrail Bridge, on the Fyzabad Road, is exactly 2 miles and 6 furlongs from the Iron Bridge. The village of lsmailgunj 5 miles and the town of Chinhut 612 miles (see page 37).
- ↑ The buildings in the Machhi Bawan (Machhi. 'Fish' from the device over the gateway—and Bawan. Sanscrit for 'House' belonged to Nawab Yehya Ali Khan, from whom they were purchased by sir Henry Lawrence for Rs. 50,000.
