Somerset Bridge -- Sandys Parish BM
N 32° 16.710 W 064° 52.605
20S E 323255 N 3572852
Built in 1620, Somerset Bridge is the worlds smallest drawbridge.
Waymark Code: WMNF8Q
Location: Bermuda
Date Posted: 03/04/2015
Views: 4
Somerset bridge was built in 1620 over an inlet between the Bermuda Great Sound and Ely's Harbour. It's drawbridge component is large enough only for the mast of a sailboat to pass through. This bridge is a popular stop for tourists to the island, and a favorite for vacation photos.
From the Bermuda attractions website: (
visit link)
"Somerset Bridge Bermuda
Somerset Bridge is located at the western end of Bermuda at Somerset island, in Sandys parish. This is the world's smallest draw bridge. Which means that it opens up from the middle allowing the ships to pass by. Actually, the bridge is so narrow and water here is so shallow, ships can't reach this point. Only sail boats pass through it. This narrow strip of water is used mainly for boat tours these days.
I took the below picture from a small grassy lawn that runs along the shore of the water. Somerset bridge was originally constructed way back in 1620. In those days, whenever a small ship required to pass through, the bridge used to be opened using a manual crankshaft. In 20th century, Somerset bridge went through some major renovation, but much of it's basic constructs have been retained even now.
Presently the bridge has cantilever-based two half spans. In between the spans, there is a 22 inch wide timber that is placed to bridge the gap between the two. You can clearly see the timber piece in the picture above. Whenever a sail boat is required to go under the bridge, this timber piece is only removed to allow just the mast of the boat to pass through."