1216217 First Sunderland Bridge Under construction (w/c on paper) by Unknown artist, (18th century); 33.5x20.2 cm; Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, Tyne & Wear, UK; (add.info.: The central cast-iron section of the original bridge at Sunderland was started in 1795. Wooden scaffolding towers in the river supported the arch whilst it was being built. The bridge was a revolutionary design, as iron had never been used for such a wide span of about 80 metres (250 feet). The bridge was opened on 9th August 1796 as a toll bridge to recoup the cost of building. The bridge was a great success. This view also shows a ship being built on the right bank on the other side of the bridge.); 穢 Sunderland Museums ; out of copyright.