Tamar rail bridge illuminated to celebrate NHS

THE historic Royal Albert Bridge which links Devon and Cornwall by carrying the Great Western main line was lit up last night as part of the now-established Thursday evening ceremonies to thank the staff of the NHS for their courageous work. While millions of people around the country clapped, Brunel’s structure across the Tamar was lit up as part of the celebrations, along with the parallel road bridge. The Royal Albert Bridge was opened in 1859, and is named after Queen Victoria’s husband, the Prince Consort. It is one of two rail bridges which connect Devon and Cornwall. The other is Calstock viaduct, further up the river, which carries the Tamar Valley line from Bere Alston in Devon to Calstock and Gunnislake in Cornwall.