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Collection: Southwark

Southwark Bridge is an often overlooked but historically significant crossing over the River Thames in London. Here are some intriguing facts about it:

  • Least Used Thames Bridge: Despite its central location, Southwark Bridge has the least traffic of all the Thames bridges in London.
  • Original Cast-Iron Structure: The first Southwark Bridge, designed by John Rennie, opened in 1819 and was made of cast iron, featuring one of the largest cast-iron spans attempted at the time.
  • Modern Replacement: The current bridge, built in 1921, replaced Rennie’s original structure and was designed by Sir Ernest George and Basil Mott.
  • Grade II Listed: Southwark Bridge is a Grade II listed structure, recognized for its historical and architectural significance.
  • Explosive History: In 1895, a gas explosion severely damaged part of the bridge, sending debris flying into the Thames.