How Many Bridges Are in London?

By Anna Duncan

London is a city that is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and iconic landmarks. One of the most interesting features of London’s landscape is the number of bridges that cross over the River Thames.

But just how many bridges are there in London? Let’s take a closer look.

The Bridges of London

London is home to an impressive array of bridges, with 33 spanning the River Thames alone. These bridges range in age and design, with some dating back to the 19th century and others being more modern constructions.

The Oldest Bridges

The oldest bridge in London is actually not one that spans the River Thames. Rather, it is London Bridge, which was originally built by the Romans in AD 50 and has been rebuilt several times since then. The current iteration of London Bridge was completed in 1973.

Of the bridges that do cross the River Thames, the oldest is likely to be Kingston Bridge, which dates back to medieval times and was rebuilt in 1825.

Other notable old bridges include:

  • Southwark Bridge (1819)
  • Waterloo Bridge (1817)
  • Hammersmith Bridge (1827)

Modern Bridges

While many of London’s bridges have been around for centuries, others are much more recent additions to the city’s landscape. One such bridge is the Millennium Bridge, which was completed in 2000 as part of the city’s celebrations for the new millennium.

Other modern bridges include:

  • Tower Bridge (opened 1894 but with major renovations completed in 2012)
  • Grosvenor Bridge (completed in 1967)
  • Vauxhall Bridge (opened 1906 but with major renovations completed in 2014)

Iconic Bridges

Some of London’s bridges are particularly famous and instantly recognizable. Perhaps the most well-known is Tower Bridge, with its distinctive twin towers and drawbridge mechanism. Other iconic bridges include:

  • London Bridge (as mentioned earlier)
  • Westminster Bridge (opened 1862)
  • Chelsea Bridge (completed in 1937)

Conclusion

In total, there are 33 bridges that cross the River Thames within Greater London, as well as numerous other bridges that cross tributaries of the river. These bridges range from the ancient to the modern, and each one has its own unique story to tell about London’s rich history and culture.