Of all the projects we have completed this year, none stand out more than the restoration of the Gaunless Bridge. Designed by railway pioneer George Stephenson in 1823, the unique and groundbreaking iron structure formed part of the world’s first public steam-powered railway - the Stockton and Darlington line. Taking on the task of restoring this historic bridge has been a captivating challenge.
Spanning the Gaunless River, this bridge was one of the first iron railway bridges and the very first to use an iron truss. It was removed from the Gaunless in 1901 and replaced with a steel bridge, prompting its relocation to the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York. Since 1975 it had been installed near the museum entrance.
The opportunity to relocate the bridge from York to Locomotion, Shildon, gave the National Railway Museum an additional opportunity to ensure the longevity of the bridge by repairing, conserving and protecting it
The original bridge over the River Gaunless (left). Its 1975 relocation site at the National Railway Museum (right) and bridge designer George Stephenson.
The Restoration Project
Our restoration of the bridge began in 2023 at the York site. The unique construction of the bridge, resembling a massive Meccano set with interlocking sections, demanded careful disassembly, section by section. We then transported the sections back to our workshop in Cowling, North Yorkshire to commence the restoration.
Dismantling the bridge at the National Railway Museum, York.
With every last part meticulously labelled, we set about repairing any damaged pieces, before applying both powered buffing and light sanding to prepare the surfaces. We then treated the sections with coats of primer. During this process, an intriguing revelation emerged. Despite its repeated black repaints during service, the original bridge colour was actually green. From this, we were able to match a colour for the final painting phase.
Repair and restoration work carried out at our workshop in Cowling, North Yorkshire.
With the sections repaired and primed, we transported them to Locomotion, Shildon, where we reassembled the bridge to its original design. We also fabricated some contemporary shoes, bolted into its concrete base, to support and elevate the bridge. Having completed the rebuild, we then painted the bridge sympathetic to its original look, completing our restoration of this magnificent structure and returning it to its former glory.
Reassembly and painting of the iconic structure at Locomotion, Shildon in County Durham.
The bridge is now on full display at Locomotion, Shilden where visitors to the purpose-built railway museum can admire the beauty and uniqueness of this iconic structure. Restoring it has been a fantastic experience and an honour for us to play a part in the preservation of our railway history.
More Information
For more information or to talk to us about our heritage engineering solutions, please get in touch on 01535 634674 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To visit the Locomotion, Shildon website: https://www.locomotion.org.uk/home
Many thanks to DFDVP (Drone Videography & Photography) https://www.youtube.com/@DFDVP for the kind permission to use their excellent drone footage.
