John Hawkshaw Biography and Timeline

Battersea Thames Rail Crossing Develops

Victorian railway engineering added Thames crossings that strengthened links between Battersea and central London.

Hawkshaw Supports Brunel Memorial Completion

Following Brunel's death, John Hawkshaw joins engineering colleagues who promote completion of the unfinished Clifton crossing as a lasting tribute to its designer.

Engineers Propose Clifton Memorial Bridge

Civil engineers backed completing Brunel's unfinished crossing as a memorial to the late designer.

Hungerford Chain Reuse Approved

Engineers decided that suspension chains from the demolished Hungerford Bridge could be reused at Clifton.

Hungerford Iron Chains Purchased For Clifton

Salvaged chains from the demolished Hungerford Bridge were acquired for Brunel's unfinished Clifton crossing.

Bridge Company Established For Completion

John Hawkshaw helps establish the organisation charged with finishing the abandoned Clifton Suspension Bridge and raising the resources required for renewed building.

Clifton Bridge Restarted

Hawkshaw helps restart work on the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Role range: 1862-1864

Clifton Bridge Construction Restarts

Work resumed to complete the suspended roadway and its supporting structures under revised engineering arrangements.

Hungerford Chains Transported To Bristol

Large iron suspension chain links travelled from London to Bristol for incorporation into the Clifton Bridge.

Hawkshaw Specifies Triple Suspension Chains

John Hawkshaw's revised completion design provides three chains on either side of the bridge in place of the two chain arrangement in Brunel's earlier scheme.

Battersea Railway Bridges Improve Connections

Additional railway bridge works helped connect south London lines with terminals north of the Thames.

Nine Temporary Gorge Cables Installed

During the summer of 1863 the bridge builders stretch nine substantial cables between the towers to support working platforms, transport equipment and chain installation.

Chain Transport Traveller Runs Across Gorge

The Clifton construction team uses a wheeled travelling apparatus running along temporary cables to move heavy suspension links into place above the river.

Clifton Bridge Completion

Hawkshaw helps complete Brunel's Clifton bridge design.

Role range: 1862-1864

Clifton Final Engineering Inspections Conducted

The completed structure underwent preparation and inspection before the suspension bridge opened to public traffic.

Suspension Rod Installation Under Way

On 17 May 1864 engineers are fitting the vertical suspension rods and girders, transferring the design from completed chains toward a load bearing road deck.

Construction Traveller Carries Engineers Across

After the final girder is set on 2 July 1864, bridge engineers cross the unfinished span in the movable construction traveller while spectators watch from the gorge.

British Association Delegates Inspect Crossing

On 22 September 1864 John Hawkshaw helps show the nearly completed Clifton bridge to visiting members of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.

Quarried Stone Spread For Loading Test

In early November 1864 workers distribute stone across the Clifton bridge roadway, preparing the newly constructed span for a substantial proof load test.

Bridge Ironwork Receives Protective Painting

As final preparations continue in November 1864, the bridge ironwork is painted a chocolate brown colour to protect and finish the new suspension structure.

Trade Societies Organise Opening Procession

Bristol trade and friendly societies arrange a large civic procession to celebrate the completed suspension crossing during the December opening ceremonies.

Bridge Illuminated With Magnesium Flares

The Clifton bridge is illuminated for its December 1864 inauguration with contemporary lighting techniques including limelight and magnesium flares, although strong wind disrupts the display.