Dean Bridge

The original proposal for a new bridge came from John Learmonth, a former Edinburgh Lord Provost and owner of the Dean estate on the north bank of the river. Following the successful expansion of the New Town on Lord Moray's estate on the south bank, Learmonth wanted to feu his land on the north side to create a further extension, but needed a more convenient link to the town over the gorge at Randolph Cliff, while also providing an impressive approach to his development. Learmonth was prepared to meet the cost himself, estimated at £18,556, but in 1828 the Cramond Road Trustees, responsible for public roads in the district, agreed to part-fund a new bridge on condition that it would be…

The design was originally for three arches, but due to poor ground conditions on the south bank, the design was amended to have four smaller arches. The main piers are 31 ft in length and 3.4 m wide, with the 90 ft span arches springing at 70 ft above the bed and rising 30 ft. On either side of the bridge is a 5 ft wide external soffit, with 96 ft span arches springing at 90 ft above the bed and rising just 10 ft. These, according to Telford, "are the distinguishing features of this bridge". The piers have external walls 3 ft thick, with four internal voids separated by walls 2 ft thick. Weight and cost were saved by building hollow piers, a feature which was initially touted as…