 In 1860, the first bridge on this site was constructed for the London, Chatham & Dover Railway Company on their line between Kent and the port of Sheerness.Originally a bascule bridge, it opened to allow large vessels to navigate past and not obstruct maritime traffic on the Swale.On 17 December 1922, the Norwegian cargo ship collided with the bridge; it was repaired and returned to service after 10 months.