The bridge was authorised by parliamentary Acts of 1726 and 7. It was the first bridge opened between London and Kingston, the latter having been in place since early in the 13th century. The building of bridges for these 500 years was obstructed by an alliance of the powers of the City of London, the Company of Watermen and the ferry owners.

O/S Co-ords:2423.7570
Source(s):

Thames Crossings. Bridges, Tunnels and Ferries

The Earl of Essex whose army at Edgehill was composed largely of London volunteers caused a pontoon bridge to be created here when Charles I was threatening the outskirts of London having sacked Brentford.

O/S Co-ords:2423.7570
Source(s):

Thames Crossings. Bridges, Tunnels and Ferries

This bridge designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette was opened by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII). It replaced that which had been opened in November 1729 which had been badly damaged by a barge in 1870.

O/S Co-ords:2423.7570
Source(s):

Thames Crossings. Bridges, Tunnels and Ferries

O/S Co-ords:2423.7570
Source(s):

Thames Crossings. Bridges, Tunnels and Ferries