Now in its 32nd year, the Bridges Conference brings together experts from across the UK to share knowledge, technology and services specific to the sector.
Bridge Clerk Sue Threader will round off the first day of the event by looking back in time as she introduces the historic motivations of our medieval ancestors when it came to building bridges. She is also part of the judging panel for the associated Bridge Awards.
Sue said: “Strange as it may seem to us in the 21st century, construction and repair of bridges was once considered an important act of charity and I’m looking forward to sharing how supporting bridge building was once considered a way to save your soul.”
In addition to her role at the Rochester Bridge Trust, Sue is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, one of the two elected Bridgemasters of the City of London, a Board Trustee for the City Bridge Foundation, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Engineers and Chair of the ICE Archives Panel.
The Rochester Bridge Trust is a medieval charity, founded in the 14th century to provide and maintain Rochester Bridge at no cost to the public. Both the bridge and methods of bride building have changed a lot since then, with the charity embracing modern ways of working. All the Rochester Bridge Trust’s bridge maintenance work is carried out at net zero carbon.