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Historic bridge · Somerset Village, Sandys
Somerset Bridge
Small drawbridge that links Somerset Island to the main island, mentioned in 1620, with a wooden opening just wide enough for a sailing mast to pass.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Somerset Bridge
The Somerset drawbridge links Somerset Island to Bermuda’s main island, spanning the narrow channel between the Great Sound and Ely’s Harbour. It is mentioned in the laws of Bermuda’s first parliament, convened in St. George’s in 1620, and appears on a 1624 map.
The structure was largely rebuilt in the mid-20th century but retained its original design. In the center of the roadway, a wooden plank divided in two opens by hand, leaving a gap of about 80 centimeters — just enough for a sailing mast to pass.
The bridge is cited as the smallest working drawbridge in the world and appears on one of Bermuda’s banknotes. On the banks of the channel there is a small lawn from which you can see the bridge and the boats.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 30 minutes.
Best time
Late afternoon, with low light over the channel. With luck, a sailboat will pass and the plank will be opened.
How to get there
It’s on Somerset Road, in Sandys. The buses between Hamilton and the Dockyard pass the bridge.
Tip
View the bridge from the lawn beside the channel, next to the road: from above the plank almost goes unnoticed.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Somerset Bridge
Why is the Somerset Bridge famous?
Because it has a wooden opening of about 80 centimeters, opened by hand to let sail masts pass, and it is cited as the smallest working drawbridge in the world.
How old is the Somerset Bridge?
It’s mentioned in the laws of Bermuda’s first parliament in 1620. The structure was rebuilt in the 20th century following the same design.
How do you get to the Somerset Bridge?
Via Somerset Road; the buses between Hamilton and the Dockyard pass over it.