One of the most defining characteristics of any city is the geography within which it is situated. When it comes to the city of London, the river Thames is a critically defining feature, its broad and murky waters being just as noticeable a part of the city as any eye-catching landmark.
The bridges which cross the Thames serve as monumental reminders of how the complexities of London itself are intertwined with its river. While the river represents a big part of the city’s considerable history and significance, many pedestrians (such as myself), as well as motorists, commuters, etc, interact primarily with its bridges who are not stopping to think of the history and significance which they hold.
Representing a very eclectic array of architectural styles which almost mirrors the city as a whole, London’s diverse bridges have proven to be one of my favorite aspects of this city. These bridges also provide some fascinating insights into the history of London.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks with its distinctive gothic towers joined by a raised walkway and flanked by suspension cables. On a walk through London, the Tower Bridge’s architectural style situates itself perfectly next to the much older Tower of London, despite the more than 500 year age gap between the landmarks.
The Tower Bridge is something of an architectural anachronism, representing an attempt by Industrial era architects to harken back to the medieval design of the Tower of London. This effort led to the present design of a largely seamless integration of Gothic stone towers with Victorian iron girders and beams.
A merging of styles can be seen as a representation of how London has had to evolve as a city. With the rapid growth and industrialization of the city, there was a demand for the creation of a new bridge – which nonetheless would have to be designed with the consideration of a medieval castle in mind. A linking of old and new which is repeated many times over across London.
Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is one of the most recent bridges constructed across the Thames, albeit only a pedestrian crossing, it is still a unique landmark and piece of infrastructure.
Constructed in 2002 the bridge is a modern looking design with suspension cables and pillars splayed off to either side of the bridge’s shining metallic walkway. The bridge’s opening was marked by controversy because a design oversight led to the bridge swaying as a result of the traffic across it, leading to closures and limited usage for almost two years until the issue was resolved.
Nowadays, on a walk through London the bridge is visually striking and provides clear views off either side. Its location perfectly frames St Paul’s cathedral on one end and opens up to the rising monolithic structure which is now the Tate Modern art gallery. In this way, the bridge is abridging old and new.
This sleek modern structure is sandwiched between the gracefully rising dome and pillars of St Paul’s and the intimidating and monumental former power station, which is the Tate Modern art gallery. This provides a link between the two distinct buildings from two distinct eras which are situated in fairly distinct neighborhoods of the city.
London Bridge
Situated on the historic site of the first ever Thames bridges, built more than 1000 years ago by the Romans, the current London bridge is a largely uninteresting looking, concrete and steel construction. Much less eye-catching than any of the previously described bridges.
However, it nonetheless embodies the rapid change and evolution which the modern city of London has undergone from its earlier historical days. The current bridge is the third iteration on largely the same site in the last 200 years. A result of the changing demands on infrastructure brought on by London’s rapid growth.
The first London Bridge was built in medieval times and lasted 600 years, this initial stone bridge is the one mentioned in the famous nursery rhyme, “London Bridge is Falling Down”. For almost 500 years it served as the only bridge in London, until greater demand brought on by the continuous growth of the city led to the construction of additional bridges. This same increased demand combined with the bridge’s age led to it being replaced in 1831. The replacement then experienced considerable degradation from the increasing use of motorized vehicles, and was itself replaced in 1973, by the current London Bridge.
When I crossed “The” London Bridge I was largely disappointed by how unassuming and largely “boring” the bridge seemed. However, attempting to learn more about the bridge provided me with a wealth of interesting information about the history of London as a whole, which allowed me to see the bridge in a new light.
This is a phenomenon which has been repeated in many situations as I explore the city. London’s history stretches back to Roman times, has grown constantly, and served as a major hub of Europe and the world. London a wealth of hidden facts and curiosities, something which even structures as straightforward as bridges are unable to avoid.
