Blackfriars Bridge
Blackfriars Bridge is a bridge located in London, England that spans the River Thames. It is a key transportation route in the city, connecting the City of London with the London Borough of Southwark.
The history of Blackfriars Bridge dates back to the late 18th century. The first bridge was designed by Robert Mylne. It took nine years to build, opening to the public in 1769.
Construction of the second Blackfriars Bridge was completed in 1869. The bridge was officially opened on 17th of July 1869 by Queen Victoria. The bridge was built with five iron arches and was supported by stone piers. It was the first bridge in London to be built using cast iron.
Over the years, Blackfriars Bridge has undergone several renovations and improvements. In the late 19th century, the bridge was widened to accommodate an increase in traffic. In the 1980s, the bridge was renovated again to add pedestrian walkways on either side of the roadway.
Here are a few fun facts about Blackfriars Bridge:
- The bridge is named after the Black Friars, a group of Dominican friars who had a monastery on the south bank of the River Thames in the 13th century.
- The bridge was the first in London to have a pedestrian walkway on either side of the roadway.
- The bridge was the first in London to be lit by electricity, with gas lamps being replaced by electric lights in 1884.
- The bridge was used as a backdrop in several movies, including the James Bond film “Skyfall.”
- In the 1920s, a group of artists known as the “Blackfriars Bridge Group” used to meet on the bridge to paint and discuss art.
Blackfriars Bridge is an important transportation route in London, and it is used by a large number of commuters and tourists every day. It is also a popular spot for sightseeing, with stunning views of the River Thames and the city skyline.