The Fall of Yarmouth Suspension Bridge

In the graveyard of St. Nicholas Churchyard, there are many interesting headstones. This gravestone is, perhaps, one of the few reminders of a terrible disaster which happened in the town. It commemorates George H.J. Beloe, aged nine years, who was killed by the Fall of Yarmouth Suspension Bridge on 2nd May 1845. At the top of the stone we can see a carving depicting the scene of the disaster. How did this happen ?

Gravestone of George H.J. Beloe, St. Nicholas Churchyard

The Suspension Bridge over the River Bure had been built some 16 years before in 1829 and connected the town by a new turnpike road to Acle and Norwich. This print of about 1841 shows the position of the bridge, crossing the river Bure to the south of the town wall. We can see its position by the tower on the town walls. Note the landscape of the surrounding area and how big the bridge is.

Print of the Suspension Bridge over the Bure, c. 1841

Here we see the bridge from the other side, looking south towards the town. The tower can be clearly seen on the left.

Engraving of the Suspension Bridge, 1845