Duchess Bridge

The Duchess Bridge is a cast iron footbridge over the River Esk in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

It was built for Charles Montagu-Scott, 4th Duke of Buccleuch by William Keir Junior of Millholm to replace a dilapidated wooden bridge in the grounds of his mansion Langholm Lodge, which has since been demolished.

[4] In May 1813, the younger Keir reported that the wooden bridge that was named for the dowager duchess, that spanned the Esk, was in a poor condition.

He wrote to the duke's secretary in July, writing: If the bridge was altogether made of Iron, the expense would be from £210 to £220 and I think it is a pity not to do it, it will look so remarkably light & neat, & His Grace I am convinced would not regret it afterwards, but I doubt much if He will be satisfied with the appearance of the structure, if the wooden railing is put on, it will I fear have a heavy appearance on the light Iron Ribs.

[1] The balusters of the parapet widen out at either end,[1] and are tied to the projecting deck of the bridge by iron scrolls.