For many, London's bridges are simply a way to get from A to B, but we think the rich and interesting history of these feats of engineering deserves a bit more recognition. So, here are 31 fascinating facts about London's bridges:. Did you know that more than construction workers were required to build Tower Bridge, along with 11, tons of steel? Did you know that London Bridge is reportedly home to a large number of bats, said to hide in the crevices of its hollow exterior?
Did you know that Cannon Street Railway Bridge was the site for the Marchioness disaster of a fatal collision involving two vessels which resulted in the death of 50 people? Did you know that there are more than works of art adorning Millennium Bridge? Street artist Ben Wilson's masterpieces are a unique combination of chewing gum and acrylic paint.
Did you know that there have been two structures sharing the title of Blackfriars Railway Bridge? Did you know that Blackfriars Bridge, in its original form, took a total of nine years to the build, and was the third bridge in London to cross the Thames? Did you know that Waterloo Bridge also bears the nickname, Ladies' Bridge, on account of it being built by a largely female workforce during the Second World War?
Did you know that Westminster Bridge was painted green to reflect the colour of the seats in the House of Commons? Rumour has it they actually are pineapples, and were created in tribute to John Tradescant the Younger: a Lambeth resident said to have grown the first pineapple in Britain. Did you know that the piers of Vauxhall Bridge feature eight vast bronze statues, each representing a different theme?
The eight themes are agriculture, architecture, engineering, pottery, science, fine arts, local government and education. Did you know that Grosvenor Bridge was the very first railway bridge in central London? Did you know that a number of Roman and Celtic artefacts and skeletons were discovered during the construction of Chelsea Bridge formally Victoria Bridge in the mid-nineteenth century? They recommended future-proofing their IP rating by creating replica lanterns in copper with polycarbonate glazing for longevity.
The light distribution can therefore be independently adjusted for each lantern by adjusting the four multi-faceted internal reflectors arranged in the shape of a diamond to where it is required eg projecting onto the carriageway and paths, rather than the river.
The replica lanterns were designed to allow a small amount of light to filter up into the top, keeping the character of the lantern, but negating the need for a second lamp and minimising upward light. Columns were shot-blasted, re-coated in a marine environment-resilient material and repaired, all in situ. Replica lamps were created and brought to site. Some parts were a little frustrating as the markers at times say to walk away from the river and yet you can see the path meandering along the river in front.
Use Navigator in the AllTrails app and join the 54 other outdoor explorers who have completed this trail. Length Whether you are here for historic sightseeing, one-of-a kind experiences, exercise, or to experience the delights of the many local pubs, there is something here for everyone.
This trail is beautiful at night when the lights of the many bridges reflect off the water of The Thames. This route is accessible from London Bridge train station. Reviews Sort by:. Stephen Davies.
September 10, Shy La. May 22, Helen Bolts. September 19, Not Thames Trail. Burgess Park and Camberwell. September 18, Ignore title. Neighbourhood walk.
Jason Bromell. July 8, The result is a much-dreaded accident blackspot at road level as well as at river level. There were serious smashes in quick succession in and In the former, a sea captain was left trapped in his vessel for hours, but it was the latter instance which was particularly demonstrative of the hazardous transit faced by both river-farers and the motorists above.
By the s, ministers were trumpeting the fact that Battersea Bridge had sustained major damage on only "six occasions" in the 20th century,. The hefty collision of 23 March — involving heavy winds and the John Hopkinson cargo ship — left the bridge hanging together by only the tram tracks. Once more it was closed off, and the tracks would never return.
By the s, ministers were trumpeting the fact that Battersea Bridge had sustained major damage on only "six occasions" in the 20th century. But late that decade, clumsy barges twice compromised the stonework, and calls to re-engineer the structure twice fell on deaf ears in favour of changing towing laws. In recent memory, the bridge faced yet another double whammy. Soon after reopening in it hosted the sad drama of the Thames Whale — a female Noethern Bottlenose which swam upstream as far as Battersea Bridge, where she got into difficulty and perished.
Its history is overwhelmingly one of tragedy.
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