File:Plate 23, Iron Bridge, from the left bank of the Goomtee (cropped).jpg

This lithograph is taken from plate 23 of 'General Views of Lucknow' by Sir DS Dodgson. Gomti at Lucknow was not well-served by bridges in the 19th century. In fact there were only two solid constructions spanning it: a stone bridge and an iron bridge. The latter was cast only 20 years after the first iron bridge in England.
Designed by Sir John Rennie and based on a similar bridge over the Witham, at Boston in Lincolnshire, the bridge was purchased by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan (1798-1814) perhaps on the suggestion of French trader and property speculator, Major-General Claude Martin. Arriving from England in 1798, it lay in packing cases by the river for over 40 years. At last it was assembled and mounted to the north-west of the Residency by Colonel Fraser for Nawab Amjad Ali Shah (1842-7). On 16 March 1858, Dodgson relates, the Indians were dislodged from the Residency and were pursued rapidly by Fusiliers, who captured a gun positioned to rake the iron bridge.

A plate from General Views & Special Points of Interest of the City of Lucknow, from Drawings made on the spot by Lieut. Col. D. S. Dodgson, A.A.C. London: Day & Son, Gate Street, Lincoln's Inns Fields. Lithographed title and 27 tinted lithographed views on 11 sheets, engraved plan at the end. Dedicated to Lieut. Gen. the Ho. Sir James Outram, Bart. G.C.B. Member of the supreme council of India, &c. &c.
Item number: 27016