Tonbridge celebrated with all the pomp and ceremony required, and with great relief, as the Big Bridge was opened in 1888 for the first time. Its construction had taken over 12 months. The old bridge had to be replaced after falling into disrepair, and the lengthy time needed to build the new bridge had caused great nuisance, and hardship, to the town as this had always been the main crossing point over the river.
After a parade up the High Street to the Rose & Crown Hotel of the town's dignitaries in horse drawn carriages, an illuminated barge with glee party entertained a delighted audience who watched from the Big Bridge, the newly built Castle Inn, and surrounding river banks.
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