 |
| Painting showing first Kingston Bridge |
Wooden bridges
There have been at least three, if not more, wooden bridges crossing the Thames at Kingston. The first bridge dates back to 1219 though there was a crossing noted by the Romans.
For many hundreds of years the only local bridges across the Thames were London Bridge and Kingston Bridge.
A new stone bridge
The last timber bridge was often in a state of disrepair. It was only 12 feet wide and as traffic increased it became difficult and dangerous.
In 1825 a new stone bridge of five elliptical arches and 25 feet wide was planned. It was designed by Edward Lapidge and made of Portland Stone. |
 |
 |
the only local bridge for hundreds of years |
 |
Coming of the trams
In 1906 tram lines were laid across the bridge making it the first Thames Bridge to have trams crossing it.
The traffic now including the trams had increased so much the bridge became dangerous for pedestrians. The death of a young cyclist made the authorities take action. |
|
Wider bridge for increased traffic
In 1911 engineers widened the bridge to 55 feet. They did this by extending the bridge on the downstream side and keeping the original appearance of the bridge. The widened bridge opened in October 1914.
In 2000 the bridge was widened and strengthened again but this time on the upstream side. Its original appearance was preserved once more. |
|
| Read
more about
Kingston Bridge (for older children and adults). |
|
