Member Article

ICE commission unique painting of historic battle

In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has commissioned a unique historical painting showing the English Army crossing Twizel Bridge in Northumberland on the way into the battle.

After discovering that there is no other painting of its kind, ICE was keen to commission the painting, because of the role the bridge played during the battle.

Twizel Bridge was vital in the Battle of Flodden, as the English Army used it to outflank the Scottish army.

The painting has been incorporated in a descriptive panel, sponsored by ICE, Duddo Parish Council and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and has been erected close to the bridge.

The Battle of Flodden was a conflict between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland, which was fought in Northumberland on 9 September 1513 and won by the English, in what was the largest battle between the two Kingdoms.

Michael Taylor, ICE’s North East Representative of Panel for Historical Engineering works, said: “It was apparent that no image of the English Army crossing the bridge existed, so ICE were keen to commission the painting, which depicts the important role the bridge played in the battle.

“Twizel Bridge was built in 1511 and is regarded as one of the country’s finest medieval bridges as it was the largest stone arch span in England for three centuries. What makes the bridge particularly attractive are its five chamfered ribs, an element that makes any masonry arch bridge much more interesting.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Penny Marshall .