Back home from a few days with Lucy and her family, so expect a few photos of my adventures. I'm feeling really tired, but watching young children at play is an exhausting activity. It was lovely to spend time with them.
Hammersmith Bridge in London is a rather attractive suspension bridge which was constructed on the foundations of an earlier bridge and opened in 1887 by the Prince of Wales. It was designed by Joseph Bazalgette, who would become famous for developing a sewerage system that would drastically reduce pollution in the River Thames and largely eradicate the risk of cholera.
In the 20th century it became a target for the IRA several times. in 1939 a passing hairdresser saw the bomb and threw it into the River Thames. In 1996 a large semtex bomb wase planted, but didn't explode. A second semtex bomb in 2000 did explode and the bridge was closed for some time for restoration.
More recently, following the discovery of micro-fractures, the bridge was again closed. Some work has taken place, and the bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists at the moment. I walked over it with Lucy and her children last Friday, taking photos of river and bridge as we walked.
It seems the current cost of repairing the bridge is estimated to be around £250million, but the bridge is a listed structure so has to be repaired rather than replaced.
The bridge had been closed for more than 10 years I think - it’s caused real havoc in that part of the world - good to see it with cyclists and pedestrians. I understand how tired you must be feeling but what a joy to be with the young ones
Thank you all for your comments and favs. I really like the structure of this bridge, and I appreciate the chaos caused by its closure. Lucy's husband is a private tutor and this was his quickest way over the Thames to visit some pupils for their lessons, but not anymore!
Ian
April 19th, 2024
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This bridge is gorgeous and has so much history!
Thanks for the very interesting narrative.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It is always interesting exploring somewhere new, and there is so much to discover in London. Each visit reveals something new.
Ian
Thank you all for your comments and favs. I really like the structure of this bridge, and I appreciate the chaos caused by its closure. Lucy's husband is a private tutor and this was his quickest way over the Thames to visit some pupils for their lessons, but not anymore!
Ian