<<often a critic of others who approach history as if everyone now dead was stupid>>
Same here. The guys who predate us were typically sharp and aware. They had to be, otherwise they didn't get to wake up in the morning. Sure, they often died early, because they didn't know of things learned since, but their working knowledge was typically superb imho.
Just have to read Shakespeare, or study how an old building was made with hard labour, horses and carts. There is a bridge at the bottom of the road designed by Robert Adam and built by local tradesmen in 1783 (How old is the USA?) For some reason, no idea why as there still only horses and carts at that time, It was doubled in width in 1849. The design was simply duplicated.
That bridge took all the road traffic going by ferry to Northern Ireland up till about the year 2000, including a lot of 18 wheeler trucks. It been replaced now, but still standing. I had a peak under the arches.
Yep, knowledgeable and talented people. They knew all about infrastructure for starters, including future needs.
I wonder why there was so many churches built back then? (rhetorical -g-)
Yep that doubling in width in 1849 gets me. How did they know? I suppose if there was a lot of cattle on the hoof, sheep, ducks, geese making their way to market, each day, there could have been a justification to double the size of the bridge. I don’t think the 5 degree surface tilt would have been needed though, that is definitely 20th century. Mind you, I expect those Victorians had those animals going along at a fair clip. Time is money. -g-
Fernand Braudel. Yeah he looks worth checking out. Thanks for the tip.
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