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view of the eastern side of the bridge, looking towards Scotland.

The Union Chain Bridge is an historic engineering marvel spanning the famous River Tweed. 

Nestled in the borderlands between Coldstream and Berwick-upon-Tweed, this iconic structure connects England with Scotland, and remains an important local landmark. 

It was originally designed for horse-drawn vehicles, facilitating trade and travel between the two nations during a period of rapid industrialisation. Today it can accept cars, but only one at a time.

A view across the bridge, showing the single land for cars

Constructed between 1819 and 1820, the Union Chain Bridge holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest operational suspension bridge still carrying road traffic. Designed by Captain Samuel Brown, a visionary engineer, the bridge was a revolutionary feat of engineering for its time. Stretching 137 metres (449 feet) across the river, it was a pioneering example of the suspension bridge design, utilising wrought iron chains to support the deck, a technique that would later inspire larger and more ambitious bridge projects around the globe.

The western side of the bridge, showing the Scottish Tower and the distinct chain links.

It is certainly a fascinating structure, and well worth a visit. We crossed the bridge back into Scotland after a trip to Berwick.