Isle of Wight Council

Cowes Floating Bridge

History of the Chain Ferry

Cowes floating bridge c 1905

The first floating bridge between East Cowes and Cowes was established in 1859 and is one of the few remaining that has not been replaced by a physical bridge. Prior to ownership by the local authority, the service was run by The Floating Bridge Company and The Steam Packet Company (Red Funnel).

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