Intriguing photographs recall July day when man born to be king opens magnificent Grimsby bridge

 

An all-male affair - the Prince with VIPs - doubtless enjoyed his visit to Grimsby

FASCINATING photographs have emerged of Grimsby's Corporation Road Bridge being officially opened  on July 19, 1928 by the Prince of Wales, later to become Edward VIII until his abdication. 

A commemorative plaque remains on one of the plinths of the bridge.

The bridge's construction had been completed three years earlier by Sir William Arrol & Co., Glasgow, at a cost of £60,000 - more than £3-million in today’s money. 

Currently the bridge is  the focus of an expensive restoration scheme for which the bill will be substantially higher than the original construction cost.

These marvellous photographs, published today by North East Lincolnshire council in the news section of its website, are safely held either in its own archives or those of its sister organisation, Lincs Inspire.

The bridge is opened as part of the momentous proceedings

Prince Edward inspects the Guard of Honour formed by  veterans of the First World War 

Presentation of the scissors to cut the ribbon to open the new Corporation Bridge

I declare this bridge open - Prince Edward does the honours

The Prince of Wales takes a climb up to the control cabin

There were big crowds eager to catch a glimpse of  the Prince 

Prince Edward and the Mayor of Grimsby, Councillor K Osmond in a Daimler Double Six touring car. They are on their way to the Town Hall for lunch