Blackfriars Bridge, London
Blackfriars Bridge is tangible proof that even bridges in London have dramatic backstories and excellent taste in accessories.
The original structure made its debut in 1769, the brainchild of 26-year-old architectural prodigy Robert Mylne. He had just returned from Rome, full of Renaissance dreams and Piranesi prints, and decided to channel them into nine graceful, semi-elliptical arches of Portland stone. A scenic marvel with St. Paul鈥檚 Cathedral looming nobly in the background, it was so picturesque that 18th-century painters couldn鈥檛 resist putting it on canvas. One of the best-known results is William Marlow鈥檚 romantic rendering of Saint Paul鈥檚 from the South Bank. Very moody. Very oil-paint-on-canvas energy.
But alas, arches don鈥檛 last forever, especially when river water gets feisty. By 1869, Queen Victoria cut the ribbon on the new-and-improved Blackfriars Road Bridge, almost exactly a century after its predecessor was inaugurated. This time, engineers ditched the stone and went full steam ahead with five elliptical wrought-iron arches, designed not to upset the Thames or its boat traffic. The bridge鈥檚 granite piers, styled like medieval pulpits, are a nod to the 13th-century Dominican friary that gave the area its name. (No, not a brand of gin, though that would've been fun.) As for the color scheme, it's red, white, gold, and plenty of royal drama.
Look closely and you鈥檒l spot seabirds on the east side, freshwater birds on the west, and a very stoic silver dragon guarding the entrance to the City of London like a mythical customs officer.
By 1910, the bridge had to bulk up-hello, trams and London鈥檚 ever-growing swarm of vehicles. Today, it spans a beefy 105 feet (or 32 meters), making it the widest bridge over the Thames. That鈥檚 right: a true heavyweight champion of river crossings.
More recently (in 2007), Blackfriars Bridge had its own moment of magic for Potterheads, soaring onto the silver screen in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, when the Order whisked Harry away from Privet Drive to Grimmauld Place. Look closely, and you鈥檒l catch them flying under the Blackfriars, capes flapping and all that. Muggles didn鈥檛 even blink.
Tip:
Wander into the southern pedestrian subway and you鈥檒l still see Mylne鈥檚 original bridge, lovingly preserved in tile. Because even demolished bridges deserve a good portrait.
The original structure made its debut in 1769, the brainchild of 26-year-old architectural prodigy Robert Mylne. He had just returned from Rome, full of Renaissance dreams and Piranesi prints, and decided to channel them into nine graceful, semi-elliptical arches of Portland stone. A scenic marvel with St. Paul鈥檚 Cathedral looming nobly in the background, it was so picturesque that 18th-century painters couldn鈥檛 resist putting it on canvas. One of the best-known results is William Marlow鈥檚 romantic rendering of Saint Paul鈥檚 from the South Bank. Very moody. Very oil-paint-on-canvas energy.
But alas, arches don鈥檛 last forever, especially when river water gets feisty. By 1869, Queen Victoria cut the ribbon on the new-and-improved Blackfriars Road Bridge, almost exactly a century after its predecessor was inaugurated. This time, engineers ditched the stone and went full steam ahead with five elliptical wrought-iron arches, designed not to upset the Thames or its boat traffic. The bridge鈥檚 granite piers, styled like medieval pulpits, are a nod to the 13th-century Dominican friary that gave the area its name. (No, not a brand of gin, though that would've been fun.) As for the color scheme, it's red, white, gold, and plenty of royal drama.
Look closely and you鈥檒l spot seabirds on the east side, freshwater birds on the west, and a very stoic silver dragon guarding the entrance to the City of London like a mythical customs officer.
By 1910, the bridge had to bulk up-hello, trams and London鈥檚 ever-growing swarm of vehicles. Today, it spans a beefy 105 feet (or 32 meters), making it the widest bridge over the Thames. That鈥檚 right: a true heavyweight champion of river crossings.
More recently (in 2007), Blackfriars Bridge had its own moment of magic for Potterheads, soaring onto the silver screen in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, when the Order whisked Harry away from Privet Drive to Grimmauld Place. Look closely, and you鈥檒l catch them flying under the Blackfriars, capes flapping and all that. Muggles didn鈥檛 even blink.
Tip:
Wander into the southern pedestrian subway and you鈥檒l still see Mylne鈥檚 original bridge, lovingly preserved in tile. Because even demolished bridges deserve a good portrait.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Blackfriars Bridge on Map
Sight Name: Blackfriars Bridge
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
London Introduction Walking Tour
London: the capital of England, heart of the UK, and international heavyweight in history, culture, and sheer charm. Its name comes straight out of Rome. Londinium was founded circa 43 AD as a trading post. Then came Queen Boudica in 61 AD, who, let鈥檚 say, didn鈥檛 care much for Roman urban planning and burnt it to the ground. But Londinium wasn鈥檛 one to stay down-it bounced back, flourished,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Bridges of London
Around thirty bridges span the Thames river in London, each with its own story. Our self-guided walk takes you to see nine such historical structures located in the heart of the city, starting from the storied Westminster Bridge and ending at the iconic Tower Bridge.
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour II
The Harry Potter movies and London go together like Butterbeer and a cold winter night at Hogsmeade. While much of the magical world was brought to life with computer-generated images and studio sets, quite a few iconic scenes were filmed right in the heart of the British capital, transforming ordinary city spots into wizarding landmarks. Here's a look at six more London locations where the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Beatles London Walking Tour
The Beatles, often hailed as one of the most influential bands in music history, began their journey in Liverpool in 1960, but it was in London that they truly became global icons. While Liverpool gave them their start, the British capital became their professional playground during the peak of Beatlemania. From recording sessions and business deals to public performances and personal milestones,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Covent Garden Walking Tour
A shopping and entertainment hub on the eastern fringes of London's West End, Covent Garden is a district historically associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market 鈥� currently a shopping spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...