There are 33 bridges across the tidal Thames from Teddington Lock to the open sea. The first of those is Richmond, the last the Dartford Crossing, or Queen Elizabeth II bridge. Here are the most interesting of the ones in Central London.
London Bridge
This site dates backs to Roman times and was the first crossing of the Thames. The medieval bridge stood for more than 600 years being replaced only in 1831 with one whose lights were cast from Napoleonic cannons. This bridge - lights and all - was famously then sold to America, with the present bridge opening in 1973.
Tube: London Bridge
Vauxhall Bridge
The first bridge to carry a tram over the Thames. Built of steel, on granite piers, it was opened in 1906 and features eight bronze female sculptures representing the arts and sciences. The River Effra flows under the MI6 building and into the Thames to the south of the bridge,
Tube: Vauxhall
Albert Bridge
One of the few suspension bridges in London, and also among the most picturesque especially when illuminated at night. Designed by Rowland Ordish and opened in 1873, the bridge was strengthened in 1973 to cope with more traffic by adding an unattractive central support.
Tube: Sloane Square
Waterloo Bridge
The first bridge on this site was finished in 1817, two years after the Battle of Waterloo, for which it was named. This bridge opened in 1945, being built by a largely female workforce during World War II and is therefore known as the Ladies' Bridge. It was the only Thames bridge damaged by German bombs during the war.
Tube: Waterloo
Southwark Bridge
Opened in 1921, this replaced one noted for having the longest cast iron span (73 m) ever made, a bridge mentioned often by Charles Dickens. Below the bridge on the south side are some steps once used by Thames watermen to moor up while waiting for custom.
Tube: Southwark
Bridges
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Blackfriars Bridge
Blackfriars Bridge is a road and foot traffic bridge. The first bridge here opened in 1769 - the third bridge after old London Bridge and Westminster Bridge. It was named after the nearby Blackfriars Monastery. The present bridge was opened in 1869 by Queen Victoria and has five wrought iron arches to a design by Thomas Cubitt.
Tube: Blackfriars
Tower Bridge
This historic bridge is still raised about 20 times a week to allow tall ships, cruise liners and other large boats to pass underneath. You can trust to luck, or check the website below, which lists the upcoming lifting schedule.
Tower Bridge EC1
Tel: +44 (0)20 7940 3984
Tube: Tower Hill
www.towerbridge.org.uk
