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For two hundred years Tickford Bridge has stood as testimony
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to a distinguished legacy of local history.
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The world's oldest cast-iron bridge carrying a full traffic load;
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a Grade A listed monument on the B526 road.
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Constructed in 1810 to be ornate and strong;
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reinforced with carbon fibre and measuring fifty one paces long.
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Made by Messrs Wilson, Walker, Provis and Yates,
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just thirty four years after the birth of the United States.
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Starting life as a toll bridge of special note;
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mentioned in many books on Newport Pagnell so preciously wrote.
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Coach and horses carrying the mail, droves of sheep, itinerants for hire,
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and ladies in fine lace-trimmed attire.
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Travellers between London and Leicester crossing the Lovat-cum-Ouzel,
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cut through pasture idyllic and rural.
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Towards the bridge the river glides at gentle pace,
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whilst the royal swan lingers with such classical grace.
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Passers-by gaze, fishermen dream, children swoon,
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Aylesbury duck with mallard paddle and consume.
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On a sunny day there's no lovelier green,
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as the majestic willow and sycamore add colour to the river scene.
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On such a note I ought to mention the grass,
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for it's really quite rich and bright when seen as you walk past.
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Such perfect places for a family feast,
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with Lovat Meadow lying to the west and Castle Meadow at the east.
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Oh! And all the fish that gather at the bridge when folk
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encroach, the perch, large carp and orange finned roach.
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Amid the current, yellow lily and green rushes grow;
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then watch shoals of bleak in a symphony of movement go.
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Tickford Bridge then, is the focal point of an attractive place,
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of ancient buildings and prime fertile space.
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Of commoner's rights, and many important visitors, of strangers,
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soldiers and travellers right down the ages.
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A fine landmark that's primarily known
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for helping to make Newport Pagnell such a blessed, significant town.
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Brian M Breacher September 2009.
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