Bridge Street, London
Where It Is and What It Connects
Bridge Street runs west to east linking Parliament Street and St Margaret Street on its western end (adjacent to Parliament Square and Big Ben), to Westminster Bridge and Victoria Embankment on its eastern end (leading across the River Thames). It is part of the A302, a main route running through Westminster and into the City of London. It also forms a vital pedestrian and traffic artery connecting the South Bank (including the London Eye and Jubilee Gardens) with the ceremonial and political heart of the UK.Origin of the Name
Bridge Street received its name in the mid-18th century, shortly after the construction of Westminster Bridge, which opened in 1750. Prior to that, no bridge crossed the Thames between London Bridge and Kingston, making Westminster Bridge a major new thoroughfare. The street directly leading from this new crossing naturally came to be known as Bridge Street.What's on Either Side?
On the north side, you'll find part of the Portcullis House, a modern parliamentary office building opened in 2001. This side of the street also includes the Westminster Underground Station entrance and access to Victoria Embankment.On the south side, the street is flanked by the iconic Houses of Parliament, specifically the corner of Elizabeth Tower, now more popularly (though incorrectly) known as Big Ben (which is actually the bell inside the clock tower). This side opens out into Parliament Square, with views of Westminster Abbey just around the corner.
Map of Bridge Street, London
Painting of Bridge Street (View full-size image here)