Bridges in London

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A City of Crossings: The History of Bridge Building in London

London has been a city of bridges for nearly two thousand years. The story begins with the Romans, who built the first London Bridge around 50 AD to connect Londinium to the south bank of the Thames. For many centuries, this was the only bridge in London, forming a vital link for commerce and communication. As the city expanded and the population grew, so too did the need for more crossings. The 18th and 19th centuries saw an explosion in bridge construction, particularly as the Industrial Revolution created a need to link the growing boroughs on both sides of the Thames. From stone arches to suspension and bascule designs, London’s bridges reflect the city’s historical, cultural, and engineering evolution.

Major Bridges in London

London is home to several famous bridges that are landmarks in their own right. Some of the most well-known include:

• Westminster Bridge – Located near the Houses of Parliament, this 19th-century bridge offers iconic views of Big Ben and the London Eye.
• Tower Bridge – One of London’s most photographed landmarks, this combined bascule and suspension bridge was completed in 1894 and features a glass-floor walkway.
• London Bridge – While the current structure is relatively modern (opened in 1973), its predecessors date back centuries and are central to London’s story.
• Millennium Bridge – A sleek pedestrian-only steel suspension bridge opened in 2000, connecting St. Paul’s Cathedral to Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre.
• Lambeth Bridge – Known for its red paintwork and proximity to Lambeth Palace, the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Oldest, Longest, Tallest: Superlatives Among London's Bridges

• Oldest: The current Richmond Bridge, built in 1777, is the oldest surviving bridge over the Thames in London, still carrying traffic today.
• Longest: Waterloo Bridge holds the title for the longest bridge over the Thames within Greater London, measuring approximately 381 metres (1,250 feet).
• Tallest: While bridges are not traditionally measured by height, Tower Bridge features towers rising 65 metres (213 feet) above the river, making it one of the tallest in visual prominence.

How Many Thames Bridges Are in London?

There are currently 35 bridges that cross the River Thames within Greater London, ranging from small pedestrian bridges to major road crossings. The number increases if you include railway bridges and those just outside the Greater London boundary. Some of these bridges are used exclusively for trains or pedestrians, while others handle both road and rail traffic. Each bridge contributes to the city’s unique topography and character, offering practical utility and often picturesque views.

Are There Bridges Over Rivers Other Than the Thames?

While the Thames is by far the most prominent river in London, there are other rivers and tributaries that are spanned by bridges. These include:

• River Lea: Spanning East London, this river features several pedestrian and vehicular bridges, especially around Stratford and Hackney Wick.
• River Wandle: Running through south London, particularly Wandsworth and Merton, the Wandle is crossed by smaller road and footbridges.
• River Brent: A tributary of the Thames in northwest London, the Brent also features small road bridges, particularly near Wembley and Brent Park.

Architectural Styles of London Bridges

The bridges of London showcase a variety of architectural and engineering styles:

• Medieval Stonework: Early versions of London Bridge featured stone arches and timber-framed buildings perched atop the span.
• Georgian and Victorian: Bridges like Richmond and Hammersmith Bridge (originally 1827) reflect the elegance and engineering advancements of the time.
• Industrial Era Ironwork: The 19th century introduced iron and steel, exemplified by bridges like Blackfriars and Battersea.
• Modern Minimalism: Recent structures such as the Millennium Bridge feature sleek steel cables, minimal supports, and pedestrian-friendly designs.

This range of styles makes London a living museum of bridge design, reflecting both function and aesthetic sensibilities across the centuries.

Fun Facts About London Bridges

• The medieval Old London Bridge once housed shops, houses, and even a chapel—making it a bustling hub of activity until it was demolished in the 1830s.
• The current London Bridge was bought by an American entrepreneur in the 1960s, dismantled, and reassembled in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Many still confuse this with Tower Bridge!
• Albert Bridge is nicknamed "The Trembling Lady" because of its tendency to vibrate when too many people cross at once. Signs still warn troops to break step when crossing.
• Golden Jubilee Bridges (pedestrian bridges flanking Hungerford Bridge) were named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Quick Facts: Bridges in London

Explore More London Bridges

This page serves as the central hub for all the bridge pages featured on the London Streets & Sights Guide. If you're interested in learning more about specific bridges—such as Westminster Bridge, Lambeth Bridge, or Southwark Bridge—you'll find detailed entries linked throughout this site. Each bridge has its own story, architectural quirks, and historical context that makes walking across them more than just a means of getting from one side of the river to the other.

Map of Bridges in London

Painting of Bridges in London (View image in full size)

Other Bridges in Central London

The following are bridges that I intend to write about in future.

1. Charing Cross Bridge: (1864) A railway bridge, also known as Hungerford Bridge
   
   
2. City & South London Railway tunnels: (1900) This is a subway tunnel that is now abandoned with the opening of the Northern Line subway tunnel.
   
   
3. Ebury Bridge: Vehicular bridge over the railway tracks at Victoria Station.
4. Eccleston Bridge: Vehicular bridge over the railway tracks at Victoria Station.
5. Elizabeth Bridge: Vehicular bridge over the railway tracks at Victoria Station.
6. Hungerford Footbridges: (2002)
   
   
7. Jubilee Line tunnels: (1999) Subway line for the London Underground Jubilee Line between Waterloo and Westminster Stations.
   
   
8. Northern Line (City branch): (1900) Subway line for the London Underground Northern Line between London Bridge and Bank tube stations.
   
   
9. Northern Line (Charing Cross branch): (1926) Subway line for the London Underground Northern Line between Waterloo and Embankment Stations.
   
   
10. Westminster Subway: (1870) This is the world's first underground tube railway. Today it is used for water mains and telephone cables.
    
    
11. Waterloo & City Line tunnels: (1898) This is the tunnel for the London Underground between Waterloo and Bank tube stations.
    
    
12. Waterloo Bridge: (1945)
    
    
13. Victoria Line tunnels: (between Westminster and Pimlico; 1971) Subway line for the London Underground Victoria Line between the Westminster and Pimlico Stations.

Crossings in East London

1. Blackwall Tunnels: (1897 & 1967)
   
   
2. Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe Ferry:
   
   
3. Crossrail tunnel: Tunnel for a new railway connection that began on 15 May 2009 and is still under construction.
   
   
4. Docklands Light Railway tunnel: (1999) Subway tunnel between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal stations.
   
   
5. Docklands Light Railway tunnel: (1999) Subway tunnel between Island Gardens and Cutty Sark stations.
   
   
6. Greenwich foot tunnel: (1902)
   
   
7. Jubilee Line tunnels: (1999) Subway tunnel for the London Underground Jubilee Line between Canary Water and Canary Wharf Stations.
   
   
8. Jubilee Line tunnels: (1999) Subway tunnel for the London Underground Jubilee Line between Canary Wharf and North Greenwich tube stations.
   
   
9. Jubilee Line tunnels: (1999) Subway tunnel for the London Underground Jubilee Line between North Greenwich and Canning Town tube stations.
   
   
10. Westminster Dome electricity cable tunnel:
    
    
11. Rotherhithe Tunnel: (1908)
    
    
12. Silvertown Link: (proposed) This is a proposed crossing to relieve the heavy load on the Blackwall Tunnels. It may be a bridge or a tunnel.
    
    
13. Thames Barrier: This crossing is not open to the public.
    
    
14. Thames Tunnel: (1843)This is the world's first underwater tunnel, now part of the East London Line.
    
    
15. Woolwich Ferry:
    
    
16. Woolwich Foot Tunnel: (1912)

Bridges and Crossings in Southwest London

1. Albert Bridge: (1873)
   
   
2. Barnes Railway Bridge and Footbridge: (1849)
   
   
3. Battersea Bridge: (1890)
   
   
4. Battersea Railway Bridge: (1863)
   
   
5. Chiswick Bridge: (1933)
   
   
6. Fulham Railway Bridge and Footbridge: (1889)
   
   
7. Hammerton's Ferry:
   
   
8. Hampton Court Bridge: (1933)
   
   
9. Hampton Ferry:
   
   
10. Kew Bridge: (1903)
    
    
11. Kew Railway Bridge: (1869)
    
    
12. Kingston Bridge: (1828)
    
    
13. Kingston Railway Bridge: (1863)
    
    
14. Richmond Bridge: (1777)
    
    
15. Richmond Lock and Footbridge: (1894)
    
    
16. Richmond Railway Bridge: (1848)
    
    
17. Teddington Lock Footbridge: (1889)
    
    
18. Twickenham Bridge: (1933)
    
    
19. Wandsworth Bridge: (1938)

Page Details

This page was created on 3 May 2025.

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