Charlton Viaduct is a disused railway bridge in Shepton Mallet within the English county of Somerset. It is a Grade II* listed building.[1]

Charlton Viaduct
Coordinates51°11′22″N 2°32′00″W / 51.1895°N 2.5334°W / 51.1895; -2.5334
CarriesSomerset and Dorset Joint Railway
CrossesRiver Sheppey
LocaleShepton Mallet, Somerset, England
Heritage statusGrade II* listed building
Characteristics
MaterialStone and brick
Total length317 yards (290 m)
Height45 feet (14 m)
No. of spans27
History
Construction start1870s
Opened1874
Closed1966
Location
Map

The bridge was built in the 1870s to carry the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway. It carried the railway over the River Sheppey. Originally the stone bridge carried a single railway track but was widened to carry a second track in 1892 using red bricks.[2]

It consists of 27 segmental arches each of which has a span of 28 feet (8.5 m).[3][4] It is on a curve of 30 chains (600 m) radius falling at 1 in 55 from each end to the midpoint.[5] To cope with the curve the arches are strengthened by pilasters.[6]

It can be seen from the grounds of Kilver Court where it forms a feature.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Charlton Viaduct". National Heritage List for England. Historic England. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  2. ^ "Shepton Mallet Viaducts". Southern E-Group. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  3. ^ "Charlton Viaduct". historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
  4. ^ "Charlton Viaduct". Engineering Timelines. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  5. ^ Otter, R.A. (1994). Civil Engineering Heritage: Southern England. London: Thomas Telford Ltd. p. 110. ISBN 978-0-7277-1971-3.
  6. ^ "Charlton Viaduct". Forgotten Relics. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
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