Bascule Bridge

Bascule Bridge

Ships from all over the world pulled into these Royal locks
Customs men boarded, checking to see what they had got.
The lock gates were closed and the water began to rise.
The crews aboard were astounded and surprised.

The bridge that spanned the entrance to the Royal Docks
Was a credit to British ingenuity and people stopped
When it's mighty counter-balanced arms rose for ships to pass.
Held up the traffic and may be twenty minutes it would last.

Then its mighty limbs would lower, lay stationary and calm,
Vehicles would start to move when they heard the alarm,
The ship was towed into the waiting berth to unload
As other ships manoeuvred and made preparations to go.

This bridge was built in the reign of King George the Fifth,
By British workers who were proud to show it to their kids.
But as always time has changed this once majestic scene,
For this bridge is no more, and will never again be seen.

Roy Coppin