At this time of year Greenock’s Esplanade is a busy place. With its beautiful views over the River Clyde to the north and historically interesting buildings on its south side, it is a popular place for a stroll and is also well used by cyclists and joggers. Robert Bruce Bell (1822-1883) was the engineer who designed this wonderful promenade.
Robert Bruce Bell was born in Edinburgh the eldest son in the large family of Robert Fitzroy Bell (1791-1862) merchant and Hanna Bruce. He later moved to Glasgow where he served his apprenticeship as a civil engineer with Murdoch & Aitken he also worked at Lancefield Foundry and Engineering Works as a journeyman engineer under Robert Napier. About 1850 He entered a partnership with Daniel Miller (1825-1888) under the name of Bell & Miller. One of their works was the construction of a slip dock for Black of Kelvinhaugh. In the 1850s they built graving dock in Glasgow for Tod & Macgregor at Meadowside.
In the early 1860s they were commissioned by Greenock Harbour Trust to survey what led to the construction in 1862 of the Albert Harbour (now Greenock Ocean Terminal) and Esplanade. The Esplanade, just over a mile long, was built up with the spoil from the Albert Harbour. They also designed Princes Pier containing the railway link from Glasgow to the Harbour (Glasgow & South Western Railway Co).
The company also undertook harbour improvements at Port Glasgow and the Saltercroft Graving Dock in Glasgow. Overseas they worked for Antonio Lopez & Co Spanish steamship owners. They were also responsible for designing the Albert Bridge in Glasgow.
For two years Robert Bruce Bell was President of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland. He died at Croyden in 1883. Daniel Miller died at Craigburn (Cragburn?) House, Gourock in 1888.
It is fascinating to think of the work and effort that was involved in constructing the Esplanade, a beautiful asset to the town that has been enjoyed by generations.
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