Building    From 1769 

Blackfriars Bridge

Categories: Transport

The first bridge on this site (shown in the picture) was designed by Robert Mylne and added a third crossing point to those already provided by London Bridge and Westminster Bridge. The plaque says 1760 but it took so long to build that it did not open until 1769, just at the end of Pitt the Elder's term as PM so it was named after him.

The location was chosen because there was available a wide route leading from the river up to what is now Ludgate Circus. This was the River Fleet with its disused wharves on both banks. It became the wide New Bridge Street. The equivalent road on the south bank crossed mainly open fields to the new St George's Circus.

Faulty workmanship meant the bridge needed replacing and this new bridge was opened by Queen Victoria on 1869. The bridge is dedicated to her, hence the statue on the north bank. Stone carvings of water birds by John Birnie Philip. Bridge designed by Joseph Cubitt, son of Sir William. Joseph also designed the sister rail bridge. The road bridge was widened 1907–10.

In Google Satellite view you can see, reading left to right: Cubitt's road bridge, Cubitt's 1864 railway bridge piers (the bridge itself was removed 1985), the 1886 bridge which has recently (2014) been converted to carry Blackfriars Station platforms. Note how the piers on all three bridges line up, presumably to ease passage for shipping.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Blackfriars Bridge

Commemorated ati

Blackfriars Bridge - plaque

The Queen was busy that day in 1869, opening two bridges, the other being Hol...

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Blackfriars Bridge - underpass

{Each print is labelled. The one we have chosen for illustration is:} Her Ma...

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Other Subjects

Private William Henry Richter

Private William Henry Richter

William Henry Richter was born on 4 February 1898, the son of Joseph Richter (1863-1937) and Alice Richter née Griffin (1864-1923). His birth was registered in the 1st quarter of 1898 in the Maryle...

Person, Armed Forces, Transport, Belgium

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
Private John William Banner

Private John William Banner

John William Banner was born on 11 September 1880 at 49 Tyneside Terrace, Elswick, Newcastle-On-Tyne, Northumberland, the eldest of the four children of Charles Banner (1845-1918) and Margaret Ann ...

Person, Transport, France

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
Thames and Medway Canal

Thames and Medway Canal

Also known as the Gravesend and Rochester Canal. It was originally 11 km (6.8 miles) long and cut across the neck of the Hoo Peninsula, linking the Rivers Thames and Medway. It was first intended a...

Place, Transport

1 memorial
West Ham tram and bus depot

West Ham tram and bus depot

Situated in Greengate Street, West Ham, this tram depot opened in October 1906, then housed trolleybuses from June 1937 until April 1960. Motorbus operation commenced in November 1959 until October...

Building, Transport

1 memorial
Viscount Wakefield of Hythe, Charles Cheers

Viscount Wakefield of Hythe, Charles Cheers

Businessman. Born Liverpool. His brand name being Castrol he was very successful and set up in the City of London. Lord Mayor in 1915-16. Promoted and funded pioneering aviation and motor sports. 1...

Person, Aviation, Commerce, Lord Mayor, Transport

2 memorials