Edward Lapidge designed the bridge that forms the basis of what is seen today and which replaced the timber structure that had been in place since early in the 13th century. The first stone of his bridge was laid by the Earl of Liverpool, High Steward of Kingston, on 07/11/1825 and it was opened by the Duchess of Clarence (later Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV). Her involvement is commemorated in the name of Clarence Street in Kingston. When it became toll free on 12/03/1870 tolls had been collected here for some 650 years and, until the opening of a bridge at Putney in 1729, this had been the first bridge above London Bridge. The ceremonies of the toll free status on the 12th were led, unwillingly, by the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London and ended with fireworks by the pyrotechnic expert, Brock of Crystal Palace. There were more public celebrations on the following Monday including the burning of the toll gates on Hampton Green. The form and facings of the old bridge were maintained, so that the changes are only noticeable from underneath the arches, when Lapidge's structure was widened to be re-opened in October 1914.

The bridge crosses from Clarence Street, Kingston on Thames to the junction of High Street and Hampton Court Road, Hampton Wick.

O/S Co-ords:1771.6936
Source(s):

Thames Crossings. Bridges, Tunnels and Ferries