The Bridges Of London

Tower Bridge

Arguably the most well-known bridge in London, Tower Bridge was built back in 1894. It stands at 800 feet long and around 40000 people cross over it every day. You can discover the history of this iconic landmark by visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which offers a fascinating insight and explains how the bridge rises to accommodate boats passing below

London Bridge

Another famous bridge, London Bridge even has its own nursery rhyme, although we are pleased to report that London Bridge is definitely not falling down! The bridge has gone through many transformations over the years. Starting out as a Roman built structure then medieval bridges with homes bolted on, followed by a stone bridge built in 1831 on the instructions of Henry II. The current London crossing was put in place in 1973 and is a box girder bridge made from steel and concrete.

Blackfriars Bridge

Erected in 1869, this bridge has a tragic tale to tell. In 1982 Robert Calvi (chairman of the Vatican Bank), was sadly found hanging from Blackfriars following numerous financial scandals.

Southwark Bridge

Quieter than some of the other bridges, Southwark Bridge is near to the Shakespeare Globe Theatre and connects with Southwark on the Southern bank of the Thames.

Waterloo Bridge

Originally erected in 1817, Waterloo Bridge was built to celebrate the triumph of the Dutch, Prussians and British at the Battle of Waterloo. The current Waterloo Bridge was opened in 1945 and was given an interesting nickname – Ladies Bridge, as it was mainly constructed by women (World War II called for males to leave home and fight).

Millennium Bridge

Want to get from St Pauls Cathedral to the Tate Modern on the North bank? Then you will need to cross the Millennium Bridge. Opened for use in 2000 the bridge had a bit of shaky start (quite literally) as it infamously used to wobble, the tremor has now been sorted out so you can cross without worrying.

Westminster Bridge

Constructed in 1862 and designed by Charles Barry (who also drew up plans for the Palace of Westminster), Westminster Bridge allows you to view the London Eye on the South bank and Big Ben on the North Bank. You can get some stunning pictures of both landmarks from here – so don’t forget your camera!

Chelsea Bridge

Initially known as Victoria Bridge and erected in 1851, Chelsea Bridge has been linked to the Roman Empire. Celtic and Roman artefacts have been found by workers and many believe Julius Ceasar marched over the bridge to get across the Thames.

Lambeth Bridge

It took quite a while for Lambeth Bridge to be built, the initial idea came to pass in 1737 but it wasn’t erected until 1861 and finally opened in 1862. From Lambeth Bridge you can see Big Ben, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.

Vauxhall Bridge

Opened in 1906, Vauxhall Bridge is a Grade II listed arch bridge (made of steel and granite), linking Vauxhall with Pimlico on the North Bank.

So Many Bridges So Little Time

With so many bridges to drive or walk over you probably won’t have time to cross all 214! The same goes for attractions – one visit to London is very rarely enough, with museums, theatres, shops, parks, landmarks, historical monuments and hundreds of bars and restaurants – there’s plenty to keep you busy. Plan your trip by doing your research first, check out what’s on too as the capital often comes alive with events and festivals (some of which are free). Getting about is relatively easy, the Underground can be busy but maps help you negotiate where to get on and off and what trip to London would be complete without a ride in a big red bus or black cab?