Weighbridge

Click here to enlarge. Weighbridge at the Ulster Folk and Transport MuseumThe public weighbridge was once a common feature of Ulster towns. Most goods were traded in bulk and by weight so both the seller and the buyer needed to have accurate measurements. Since the public weighbridge was owned and operated by the local authority, it could be relied upon to give an accurate and impartial measurement.

As goods were increasingly shipped in pre-weighed amounts, the need for the public weighbridge declined. Many, no longer needed, were sold for scrap. The building which houses the balance arm survived in Donaghadee although the weighing mechanism itself had been scrapped. The present weighing mechanism came from the Owen O' Cork Mill on Belfast's Beersbridge Road

Original location: Donaghadee, County Down





Ask an Expert
If you would like further information about this collection you may contact the curator by following this link and completing the short form.