Letter: A bridge too few
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I was not surprised that doubts have been cast on the illustration of Stephenson's Rocket on the back of our pounds 5 notes ("Railway historians discover that the `Rocket' in your pocket is a shilling", 15 December). Also depicted on them is a drawing of what is described as "Skerne Bridge on Stockton-Darlington Railway".
I have family connections with that bridge. Sturdy metal bars under it cross over the river Skerne. My mother fell from them and broke her ankle during the 1914-1918 war, but this did not deter me from swinging from them during the 1930s.
However, the trains thundering overhead were speeding north to Newcastle and Edinburgh, as they still do. The Stockton-Darlington line went nowhere near the Skerne Bridge, but forked east from Darlington, past my grandfather's field to cross a bridge over Haughton Road, long since demolished. That bridge was not available to illustrate on the river and artistic licence came into play.
WILLIAM L ATKINSON
Guildford, Surrey
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments