Admiring the ancient stone bridge reflecting on Bau Ran lake in the rice district
(Baonghean.vn) - Nearly 80 years have passed, the stone bridge in Hau Thanh commune, Yen Thanh district is still firmly connecting the two banks of Bau Ran lake as a special vestige of the countryside.
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| Hau Thanh stone bridge, also known as Thuong bridge, across Bau Ran lake, was built by local people in 1943. According to the elderly in the area, the construction of this bridge at that time was a miracle and an effort of the village. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| The bridge has 9 spans, nearly 12 meters long. Each bridge pier has 2 vertical stone pillars, with a crossbeam above it that is punched and firmly mortised. At the highest point on the bridge, the bridge pier is nearly 5 meters long. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Below each pillar is a large stone pedestal with a square hole carved on top. When erecting the bridge pillar, the stone pedestal is deep in the mud, creating stability for the bridge. In the photo: A stone bridge pier pedestal was salvaged from Bau Ran. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Each span of the bridge is made up of three stone slabs. The two outermost slabs are grooved to create aesthetic beauty for the bridge surface. Because the bridge surface is about 1.3m wide, it is difficult for ox-tired carts to pass, so in the 90s of the 20th century, local people added a concrete slab about 0.3m wide to each span of the bridge to make it easier to travel. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Mr. Nguyen Khac Khoan - a resident near the stone bridge said: In the past, Hau Thanh commune had 5 ancient stone bridges spanning across Bau Ran, now only Thuong bridge remains. Every day, Thuong bridge is the place where people from Cau Thuong hamlet and Trung Nam hamlet (now Nam Thuong hamlet) cross the banks of Bau Ran. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| It is known that in 1950, during a big flood, Thuong Bridge was washed away in many middle spans due to water hyacinths, and was later repaired by the people. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Up to now, there have been many accidents at Thuong Bridge. "Hundreds of accidents involving people and motorbikes, bicycles, ox carts, farm vehicles carrying materials, fertilizers, rice, etc. falling off the bridge" - a resident of Hau Thanh commune said. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Because the bridge has no railings, many women often push their bikes across the bridge to ensure safety. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| Located on Bau Ran with a cool space, Thuong bridge is also a place for villagers to cool off. The villagers' wish is to receive attention from the superiors, build a concrete bridge next to it to meet the needs of travel and economic development, and this stone bridge will be removed from the concrete slabs, repaired to the original to preserve. Photo: Huy Thu |
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| A few dozen meters north of Bau Ran, from the stone bridge, there is an ancient village well: The well is made of stone, and the top is built of bricks. For the people of Nam Thuong - Hau Thanh, the stone bridge and the village well are two important relics, preserving the soul of the homeland. Photo: Huy Thu |
| Stone bridge across Bau Ran. Video: Huy Thu |
