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Experiments with Captain Fowke's pontoon bridge on the Serpentine, 1860. Creator: Unknown
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Experiments with Captain Fowke's pontoon bridge on the Serpentine, 1860. Creator: Unknown
Experiments with Captain Fowke's pontoon bridge on the Serpentine, [London], 1860. The pontoon to be tested consists of an oblong framework of wood and iron, over which when fixed for use is drawn a surface of prepared canvas-each pontoon being portioned into eight compartments, all water-tight, so that while one of these divisions remains perfect the boat can never sink. When thus canvassed over it has the appearance of a large ship's boat, and can be at once launched. On its upper surface rafts are now fitted, and on those again are run the chesses or boards. Each pontoon being now complete, it will float with eighty men on its top, and then it only draws sixteen inches of water; while the time requisite to build a bridge of six pontoons is ten minutes, and to again dismantle the same five minutes. To each float of six pontoons is apportioned an extra one to serve as a boat in which is accommodation for twelve oarsmen...Perhaps one of the most commendable points of the exhibition was the soldierlike way in which the volunteers handled the gear and tackle of the pontoon; whilst the rapidity | evinced by them in launching, marching over, and then as suddenly dismantling the whole fabric, was something wonderful to behold.From "Illustrated London News", 1860
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Media ID 36373909
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2nd Duke Of Cambridge British Army Cambridge Duke Of Cambridge George Duke Of City Of Westminster London England Commander Commander Chief Commander In Chief Duke Of Cambridge Experiment Experimental Experimentation George Duke Of Cambridge George Prince George William Frederick Charles Hrh The Duke Of Cambridge Hyde Park Ommander In Chief Parasol Parasols Pontoon Pontoon Bridge Prince George Prince George 2nd Duke Of Cambridge Prince George Duke Of Cambridge Prince George Of Cambridge Raft Serpentine Top Hat Top Hats Tophat Weight Westminster London England Armed Services Experimenting Pontoons
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the essence of innovation and engineering prowess during the mid-19th century, as depicted in an experiment with Captain Fowke's pontoon bridge on the Serpentine in London, 1860. The image showcases a group of men meticulously preparing and testing the pontoon bridge, which consisted of an oblong wooden and iron framework, covered with prepared canvas to keep it watertight. Each pontoon was divided into eight compartments, allowing it to remain afloat even if one division was compromised. When canvassed over, the pontoon resembled a large ship's boat and could be launched quickly. Rafts were then fitted on top of the pontoons, followed by the addition of chesses or boards. Each pontoon could float with eighty men on its surface, drawing only sixteen inches of water. The construction of a six-pontoon bridge took just ten minutes, and dismantling it required only five minutes. An additional pontoon was assigned to each float of six pontoons, serving as a boat for twelve oarsmen. The volunteers handling the gear and tackle of the pontoon displayed a soldier-like demeanor, and their rapidity in launching, crossing, and dismantling the bridge was truly remarkable. This photograph provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the ingenuity and efficiency of the engineering feats accomplished during this era.
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