Given that my train from Woking arrives at Waterloo station, it should come as no surprise that this is where I started and ended Bridge Day. After my first Waterloo crossing, I headed west toward the 3 bridges I wrote about yesterday. And then after my second Waterloo crossing, I headed east toward the remaining 5 bridges. Because it is made from rather plain Portland stone, Waterloo pales in comparison to most of the other bridges. The main thing it has going for it is location. Standing at a sharp bend in the Thames, you get great views both upstream and downstream. In addition, it is the longest bridge in London. And for a neat bonus fact, it is often known as "Ladies Bridge." Constructed during World War II when few men were available, most of the work was carried out by female labour.
Blackfriars Bridge
Blackfriars Monastery used to stand near the north end of the bridge. At this Dominican priory, the friars wore black robes, distinguishing them from other orders such as the Franciscans who wore grey or brown. Standing near the South Bank, the pedestrian and vehicular bridge is on the left. The columns from the old railway bridge are in the center, and the current railway bridge is on the right. I think it makes for a nice trio! You can also see St Paul's Cathedral on the right.
An abutment at the south end of the old railway bridge bears the company's insignia, and has been beautifully preserved and restored.
Millennium Bridge
Designed for the millennium (obviously), this pedestrian-only bridge links the Tate Modern (above; haven't been there) with St Paul's Cathedral (below; visited in August). It was closed just 2 days after it opened because of an unexpected swaying motion. Modifications since then have eliminated the problem, so it can no longer be called "Wobbly Bridge," which was the nickname Londoners quickly gave it.
To view many of the bridges on my walk from a different perspective, see "St Paul's Cathedral" from 18 January.
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