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Iron Bridge Re-openingPrint Page 
A tree commemorates the re-opening of the Iron Bridge in 1998. The tree planted was grown from a cutting of a willow planted outside "The Settlers Arms" in 1843 by Captain Francis Ormond who bought a sprig of the tree from Napoleon's gravesite on St Helena.
The Iron Bridge over the Leigh River at Shelford was erected in 1873-74 by the Shire of Leigh, replacing an earlier timber structure of 1851. The structure, which consists of two continuous hollow wrought iron girders over three spans and supported on iron rollers attached to bluestone piers and abutments, was designed by Shire Engineer CAC Wilson, and fabricated in situ from components cast by Ballarat founder, John Price.
The Iron Bridge at Shelford is one of a small number of wrought iron box girder bridges which survive in Victoria. The structure is notable for inherent constructional and technical features in the design and as an example of the work of CAC Wilson, an import figure in the history of bridge building in Victoria. Wilson practised his profession for an incredible 64 years (1846-1910) and was responsible for many iron, timber and concrete bridges in Western Victoria.
The Iron Bridge at Shelford has been superseded with the construction of a new concrete bridge adjacent to the original structure. The bridge was restored and used to carry light traffic.
[Source: Register of the National Estate]
Location
| Address: | Shelford - Bannockburn Road, Shelford, 3329 |
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| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -38.013486 Long: 143.978261 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Tree |
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| Monument Theme: | Technology |
| Sub-Theme: | Industry |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Sunday 5th April, 1998 |
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To commemorate the re-opening of the old Iron Bridge at Shelford on 5th April 1998
A St. Helena Island willow was planted by Mr. Roy (Bill) Gillett, a local resident who grew this tree from a cutting taken from a willow tree planted at
"The Settlers Arms" in 1843 by Captain Francis Ormond.
He having brought a sprig from a St. Helena Island willow growing at the grave site of Napoleon Boneparte of France
