Crathorne, R. Leven,c.1888

© Aberdeen Museums
This bridge, which crossed the River Leven at Crathorne was commisioned by Lionel Dugdale (1862-1941).  Lionel went on to build Crathorne Hall in 1903, which was the largest English country house of the Edwardian era.  His father, John, bought the Crathorne Estate in 1844 and Lionel inherited on his death in 1881.  Lionel's son, Thomas, (1897-1977) became the first Lord Crahtorne in 1959.  His sons James and David live on this estate.

The suspension bridge was built in 1888 by Louis Harper.   It is of basic design, with three tensioners per mast - one for the stay cable to the bank anchorage, one for the main cable and one for the deck. It measures approximately 55 feet span and had likely been 4 feet in width. This elegant bridge was washed away in the great flood of July 1930.

Crathorne Hall is now a country house hotel.