Tuesday 18 November 2014

The Severn

On the Severnway path in Bewdley there are many words in metal lettering along the walkway on maritime and riparean themes reflecting the river through time in words.  Here is written the original spelling of the river -  Sæferne (which I think is Anglo Saxon).  It doesn't show up in this photograph but all the lettering is embellished, the river's name has
fish scales 
which I think this old boy is waiting for a sight of as he sits fishing by the Severn.
We went into the Georgian town of  Bewdley for lunch at yes -  The George
and on the way back past a sleeping cat in a shop window.
On return to the riverbank the fisherman was still optimistically waiting for a bite while a swan sailed by
Four bridges have stood here crossing the Severn since 1447 but three have been destroyed by wars and flood.  The present bridge was designed and constructed by the great Thomas Telford (1757-1834) whose foreman mason was John Simpson and in the unusually dry summer and autumn of 1798 the bridge was built very quickly. Simpson was highly regarded by Telford and worked with him on many occasions. His trust was well placed because the bridge has stood up to many floods and heavier traffic than ever Telford could have envisaged.

The Severn starts in the Welsh hills and takes its 220 mile journey through many counties here passing through Worcestershire, it also has not just one but two deities in mythology, the nymph Sabrina (Hafren) who drowned in the river and Noadu who rides the Severn tidal bore on a seahorse at the Bristol Channel. 

An entry to ABC Wednesday, a journey to the alphabet this week sojourning at S here

 

9 comments:

Roger Owen Green said...

love that bridge!

ROG, ABCW

Jane Hards Photography said...

As an ex Cradley Heath girl, I kow this area well ad been there many times when almost flooded. Lovely town, happy memories.

Rajesh said...

Great shots of the town. Lot of variety there.

Hildred said...

Great S choices and wonderful photos. Love the cat....

Mersad said...

I love little towns like this. Great images. The bridge is awesome!

Visiting you through ABC Wednesday today.

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

Reader Wil said...

Could I call this a typically English bridge? Anyway it is beautiful and strong as the British are!
Have a great day!
Wil, ABCW Team.

Berowne said...

Wonderful post; thanx for sharing.

Unknown said...

Nice pictures both the one of the bridge is my favorite ;-)

Trubes said...

Lovely pictures I love bridges.
The river Severn is an interesting river and meanders through several counties.
I enjoy watching when it has it's tidal bore, fascinating!
I've even seen some youngsters surf boarding on it, quite a sight!
A most interesting article, thank you for sharing it with us.

Best wishes,

Di.
ABCW team.