For centuries, London Bridge was the only crossing over the River Thames in central London. Suggestions for a new bridge across the river at Westminster were originally opposed, however, as Westminster grew rapidly at the beginning of the 18th century, approval for a new bridge was passed by an Act of Parliament in 1736. The original Westminster Bridge was opened on 18th November 1750, and the current bridge is the third to be built on the site. The current bridge opened on 24th May 1862, and the seven-arch, wrought iron bridge was designed by Thomas Page with Gothic detailing by architect Sir Charles Barry. Pedestrians crossing the bridge may pause to read the bronze plaque featuring William Wordsorth’s sonnet, ‘Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802: Earth hath not anything to show more fair…Ships, towers, domes, theatres and temples lie…Open unto the fields, and to the sky…’
- Westminster Bridge
- www.british-history.ac.uk