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The first documented crossing over the Newry Canal was an arch built in 1751, though a bridge likely existed when the canal was completed in 1742. By 1781, three drawbridges were recorded at Ballybot, Dublin Road, and Canal Quay. These bridges featured in a mock engagement by the Irish Volunteers on the 20th and 21st of August 1781, involving 1,896 troops. Four battalions, totaling 964 troops, "assailed" the town while three battalions with 932 troops defended it. The bridges saw intense "skirmishes" during this event. Two could be turned from the canal bank, while the third was controlled from the County Armagh side, giving the assailants an advantage.
In 1813, Rev. James Hall described a drawbridge in Newry capable of lifting, for ships of up to 100 tons. However, he lamented the absence of swing bridges, common in England, which were cheaper and more efficient. Newry's wooden drawbridges were cumbersome, operated by levers and required at least eight men to open or close. In 1832, the drawbridges became the focus of political turmoil when, during a contentious election, Lord Hill, the Conservative candidate, defeated reformist Dennis Maguire by 467 votes to 404. To counter angry crowds from County Louth and the Dublin Road, the bridges were lifted to restrict access to parts of the town.
In 1831, the Needham Bridge was built over the river, but its utility was limited as the canal blocked access to the Armagh side of town. Foot passengers could only cross by barge for a halfpenny. By 1834, plans were underway for a swivel bridge, initially envisioned in wood but later constructed in iron. Completed in 1840, the Godfrey Bridge was named after George Ogle Godfrey, a wine and spirit merchant who was instrumental in its construction and a subscriber to the adjacent Needham Bridge. By 1857, the Godfrey and Needham Bridges were collectively referred to as Monaghan Bridge.
In 1846, all the canal bridges were recorded as swivel bridges. Despite their utility, the bridges often caused disruptions. In late 1849, Ballybot Bridge failed to close properly, leaving a two-foot gap that caused a drayman to fall off his cart. When the Godfrey Bridge underwent repairs in 1866, residents resorted to using a raft to cross, echoing the situation from 1831. Similarly, railway passengers faced delays in 1873 due to repairs on the Canal Railway Bridge. By 1871, calls for wider and more modern bridges grew louder due to the town's increasing traffic and commercial activity.
Bridgekeepers were critical to canal operations at this time. Richard McAvoy managed the Canal Navigation Bridge between Sugar Island and Canal Street in the late 18th century, ensuring ships passed into the Old Basin for loading and unloading. Bridgekeepers often dedicated their lives to the role. McAvoy died at the age of 88 in 1794. In 1874, advertisements sought new bridgekeepers for the Dublin and Ballybot Bridges, as well as the Godfrey and Sugar Island Bridges. The role required nautical knowledge and skills in berthing and mooring vessels and paid an annual salary of £30. One noted bridgekeeper, Hollywood, died in 1884, and vessels in the canal flew flags at half-mast to honour his service.
A future article will explore the rising demands on these bridges and the significant changes they underwent up to modern times.
The Museum is currently offering free tours of the main exhibition galleries on Wednesdays at 2.00 pm. These must be booked in advance by calling their Education Officer at 0330 137 4422.
Newry and Mourne Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm. Call 0330 137 4422 or email museums@nmandd.org for further information.
Visit their website at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
