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by Marriott Edgar (1933)
Illustrations by John Hassall
This poem begins with reference to the Runcorn - Widnes Transporter Bridge, which was built in 1905. This was to replace ancient ferry since a wall had been constructed between the river and the Manchester Ship Canal in the 1890's and crossing was more difficult.
The Transporter Bridge was a huge girder (300 metres) spanning the river, with a trolley cradle (17 x 8 metres) suspended beneath. The cradle was winched from one side to the other and was large enough to carry four two-horse farm waggons or three hundred passengers, if they didn't mind their toes being trampled for the 2.5 minute crossing.
It remained in operation until 1961 and technologically more interesting than The Runcorn Ferry, but Marriott Edgar makes the ferry sound more fun!
On the banks of the Mersey, o'er on Cheshire side, In days afore Transporter Bridge were put up, Now Runcorn lay over on one side of stream, | |
One evening, to Ted's superlative surprise, "How much for the three?" Mr Ramsbottom asked, "You're not charging tuppence for that little lad?" "Fivepence for three, that's the most that I'll pay", "We can walk, an' all", said Father. "Come Mother, The further they paddled, the deeper it got, |
Tuppence per person per trip |
Very soon, the old people were up to their necks, Well, just at that moment, Pa got an idea But Ted wasn't standing for none of that there, |
"All right, then", said Father, "let me tak' the boat, T'were money for nothing. Ted answered: "Right-ho", He got Mother out - it were rather a job, |
We can walk, an' all |
Wilt' row me across by me'sen? |
When poor little Albert came up to the top, Pa took them across, and he brought the boat back, When they got t'other side, Father laughed fit to bust. |