Convict labour built Canterbury’s original Prouts Bridge, now one of Sydney’s busiest crossings

IT is one of Sydney’s busiest bridges but many motorists would not have an inkling it has a history of convict labour.

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IT is one of Sydney’s busiest crossings but many motorists would not have an inkling it has a history of convict labour.

Prouts Bridge in Canterbury is undergoing maintenance work to improve safety, with the project expected to be completed in March, weather permitting.

The State Government allocated $1.56 million to the bridge on Canterbury Rd.

The present bridge is undergoing maintenance work. Picture: Tim Clapin

Concreting, minor steel repairs and corrosion protection have been undertaken since May.

“The State Government is funding this important bridge-strengthening work to improve safety and reduce ongoing costs on a vital link connecting motorists to Canterbury,” an RMS spokesman said.

Cornelius Prout, an under-sheriff at the Supreme Court who came to Australia in 1826, built the original bridge through his property in 1841.

It was constructed using convict labour for the stonework and carpentry, with donations from landowners.

The bridge (pictured here circa 1920s) was a vital link to Canterbury. Picture: Supplied

The bridge served as a gateway to Canterbury, allowing locals to cross the Cooks River to the town.

But while the bridge was free to use for the first six weeks, Prout drew the ire of the community when he applied a toll of threepence to repay his outlay.

There were claims the former naval officer was illegally collecting tolls and pocketing the money, sparking legal action by locals.

Photograph of an Empire Day procession along Canterbury Road after crossing Prouts Bridge. Photo taken 1907. Picture: Supplied

Canterbury historian Colin Beacroft said the complaints appeared to be justified.

Prout had collected 100 pounds per year for 13 years. The bridge cost 200 pounds to build. Prout eventually closed the bridge to the public in 1853 before it was gazetted in 1855.

The present bridge was completed in 1951. Stonework from the 1841 bridge remains on the site.