London Tower Bridge

I have many ancestors from London. The bridges that cross the Thames total 214 with over 20 tunnels, six public ferries and one ford. so I thought it would be of interest to write it's history. Until sufficient crossings were established, the river provided a formidable barrier, with Belgic tribes and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms being defined by which side of the river they were on. When English counties were established their boundaries were partly determined by the Thames.

Barrier and boundary

Until sufficient crossings were established, the river provided a formidable barrier, with Belgic tribes and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms being defined by which side of the river they were on. When English counties were established their boundaries were partly determined by the Thames. On the northern bank were the historic counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex and Essex. On the southern bank were the counties of Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Kent. However the permanent crossings that have been built to date have changed the dynamics and made cross-river development and shared responsibilities more practicable. In 1965, upon the creation of Greater London, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames incorporated areas that had been part of both Middlesex and Surrey; and changes in 1974 moved some of the boundaries away from the river. For example, some areas that had been part of Berkshire became part of Oxfordshire, what had been Buckinghamshire became part of Berkshire, and what had been Middlesex became part of Surrey. On occasion – for example in rowing – the banks are still referred to by their traditional county names.

History of Crossings

Many of the present road bridges on the river are on the site of earlier fords, ferries and wooden structures. The earliest known major crossings of the Thames by the Romans were at London Bridge and Staines Bridge. At Folly Bridge in Oxford the remains of an original Saxon structure can be seen, and mediaeval stone structures such as Newbridge and Abingdon Bridge are still in use. Kingston's growth is believed to stem from its having the only crossing between London Bridge and Staines until the beginning of the 18th century. Proposals to build bridges across the Thames at Lambeth and Putney in around 1670 were prevented by the Rulers of the Company of Watermen, since it would mean ruin for the 60,000 rivermen who provided a pool of naval reserve.[1] During the 18th century, many stone and brick road bridges were built from new or to replace existing structures both in London and along the length of the river. These included Putney Bridge, Westminster Bridge, Datchet Bridge, Windsor Bridge and Sonning Bridge. Several central London road bridges were built in the 19th century, most conspicuously Tower Bridge, the only Bascule bridge on the river, designed to allow ocean going ships to pass beneath it. The most recent road bridges are the bypasses at Isis Bridge and Marlow By-pass Bridge and the Motorway bridges, most notably the two on the M25 route Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and M25 Runnymede Bridge.

The development of the railway resulted in a spate of bridge building in the 19th century including Blackfriars Railway Bridge and Charing Cross (Hungerford) Railway Bridge in central London, and the spectacular railway bridges by Isambard Kingdom Brunel at Maidenhead Bridge, Gatehampton Railway Bridge and Moulsford Railway Bridge.

The world's first underwater tunnel was the Thames Tunnel by Marc Brunel built in 1843 and used to carry the East London Line. The Tower Subway was the first railway under the Thames, which was followed by all the deep-level tube lines. Road tunnels were built in East London at the end of the 19th century, being the Blackwall Tunnel and the Rotherhithe Tunnel, and the latest tunnel was the Dartford Crossing.

Many foot crossings were established across the weirs that were built on the non-tidal river, and some of these remained when the locks were built – for example at Benson Lock. Others were replaced by a footbridge when the weir was removed as at Hart's Weir Footbridge. Around the year 2000 AD, several footbridges were added along the Thames, either as part of the Thames Path or in commemoration of the Millennium. These include Temple Footbridge, Bloomers Hole Footbridge, the Hungerford Footbridges and the Millennium Bridge, all of which have distinctive design characteristics.

Some ferries still operate on the river. The Woolwich Ferry carries cars and passengers across the river in the Thames Gateway and links the North Circular and South Circular roads. Upstream are smaller pedestrian ferries, for example Hampton Ferry and Shepperton to Weybridge Ferry the last being the only non-permanent crossing that remains on the Thames Path.

Note on the listing

The list starts at the downstream (Estuary) end and follows the river upstream towards the source. A few of the crossings listed are public pedestrian crossings utilising walkways across lock gates and bridges above or adjacent to the adjoining weirs. Most of the other locks on the River Thames also have walkways across their lock gates and weirs, but these either do not completely cross the river, or are restricted to authorised personnel only, and are therefore not listed. Besides the ferry crossings listed, there are commuter boat services operating along the river in London, and tourist boat services operating both in London and upstream. Whilst the principal purpose of these services is not to carry people across the river, it may be possible to use them to do so.

List Of Thames Crossings

North Sea to London

• proposed Lower Thames Crossing at or east of Dartford Crossing - three options announced in April 2009

• Gravesend - Tilbury Ferry, a passenger ferry.

• High Speed 1 rail tunnels from Swanscombe in Kent to West Thurrock in Essex. (Two 2.5 km tunnels, 7.15 m internal diameter.)

• Dartford Crossing including two Dartford Tunnels (1963 and 1980) and the cable-stayed Queen Elizabeth II Bridge (1991)

• Dartford Cable Tunnel (2003; tunnel carrying electrical cable; accessible by authorised personnel only)

• 380kV Thames Crossing (power line crossing at West Thurrock)

East London

• proposed Thames Gateway Bridge, bridge between Beckton with Thamesmead, cancelled in November 2008.

• Docklands Light Railway tunnel (between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal stations)

• Woolwich foot tunnel (1912)

• Woolwich Ferry

• Crossrail tunnel (construction started 15 May 2009)

• Millennium Dome electricity cable tunnel

• Thames Barrier (includes service tunnel accessible by authorised personnel only)

• proposed Silvertown Link (bridge or tunnel to relieve the Blackwall Tunnels)

• Jubilee Line tunnels (between North Greenwich and Canning Town; 1999)

• Blackwall Tunnels (Alexander Binnie, 1897; second bore 1967)

• Jubilee Line tunnels (between Canary Wharf and North Greenwich; 1999)

• Docklands Light Railway tunnel (between Island Gardens and Cutty Sark; 1999)

• Greenwich foot tunnel (Alexander Binnie, 1902)

• Jubilee Line tunnels (between Canada Water and Canary Wharf; 1999)

• Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe Ferry

• Rotherhithe Tunnel (Maurice Fitzmaurice, 1908)

• Thames Tunnel (Wapping to Rotherhithe Tunnel) (Marc Brunel, 1843; the world's first underwater tunnel, now part of the East London Line)

Central London

• Tower Bridge (1894)

• Tower Subway (Peter W. Barlow and James Henry Greathead; 1870. The world's first underground tube railway, cable hauled - now used for water mains and telephone cables and not accessible)

• Northern Line (City branch) tunnels (between London Bridge and Bank; 1900)

• London Bridge (1973)

• City & South London Railway tunnels (This railway's original crossing of the river between Borough and King William Street; 1890. Abandoned in 1900 when the Northern Line City branch tunnels were opened on a new alignment)

• Cannon Street Railway Bridge (1982)

• Southwark Bridge (1921)

• Millennium Bridge (footbridge, 2002)

• Blackfriars Railway Bridge (1886)

• Blackfriars Bridge (1869)

• Waterloo & City Line tunnels (between Waterloo and Bank; 1898)

• Waterloo Bridge (1945) (the "women's bridge")

• Northern Line (Charing Cross branch) tunnels (between Waterloo and Embankment; 1926)

• Hungerford Footbridges (Golden Jubilee Bridges) (2002)

• Charing Cross (Hungerford) Bridge (Railway, 1864)

• Bakerloo Line tunnels (between Waterloo and Embankment; 1906)

• Jubilee Line tunnels (between Waterloo and Westminster; 1999)

• Westminster Bridge (1862)

• Lambeth Bridge (1932)

• Vauxhall Bridge (1906)

• Victoria Line tunnels (between Vauxhall and Pimlico; 1971)

• Grosvenor Bridge (Victoria Railway Bridge) (1859)

South west London

• Chelsea Bridge (1937)

• Albert Bridge (1873)

• Battersea Bridge (Sir Joseph Bazalgette, 1890) (Henry Holland, 1771)

• Battersea Railway Bridge (1863)

• Wandsworth Bridge (1938)

• Fulham Railway Bridge and Footbridge (1889)

• Putney Bridge (Sir Joseph Bazalgette, 1886) (Phillips & Ackworth, 1729)

• Hammersmith Bridge (Sir Joseph Bazalgette, 1887)

• Barnes Railway Bridge and Footbridge (1849)

• Chiswick Bridge (1933)

• Kew Railway Bridge (1869)

• Kew Bridge (John Wolfe-Barry, 1903)

• Richmond Lock and Footbridge (1894)

• Twickenham Bridge (1933)

• Richmond Railway Bridge (1848)

• Richmond Bridge (1777)

• Hammerton's Ferry (F) (Marble Hill Twickenham to Ham House)

• Teddington Lock Footbridge

• Kingston Railway Bridge (1863)

• Kingston Bridge (1828)

• Hampton Court Bridge (1933)

• Hampton Ferry (F) (to Hurst Park, East Molesey, 1519)

London to Windsor

• Walton Bridge (1953 and 1999)

• Shepperton to Weybridge Ferry (F)

• Chertsey Bridge (1785)

• M3 Motorway Bridge (1971)

• Staines Railway Bridge (1856)

• Staines Bridge (1832)

• M25 Runnymede Bridge (Edwin Lutyens, 1961; widened 1983 and 2005)

• Albert Bridge (1928)

• Victoria Bridge (1967)

• Black Potts Railway Bridge (1892)

• Windsor Bridge (1824)

• Windsor Railway Bridge (Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1849)

• Queen Elizabeth Bridge (1966)

Windsor to Reading

• Summerleaze Footbridge (1992)

• M4 Bridge (incorporates footbridge) (1961)

• Maidenhead Railway Bridge (Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1838)

• Maidenhead Bridge (1777)

• Cookham Bridge (1867)

• Bourne End Railway Bridge (1895; incorporates footbridge)

• Marlow By-pass Bridge (1972)

• Marlow Bridge (William Tierney Clark, 1832)

• Temple Footbridge (1989)

• Hambleden Lock (incorporates public footbridge)

• Henley Bridge (1786)

• Shiplake Railway Bridge (1897)

• Sonning Bridge (c.1775) & Sonning Backwater Bridges (1986)

• Caversham Lock (incorporates public footbridge)

• Reading Bridge (1923)

• Caversham Bridge (1926)

Reading to Oxford

• Reading Festival Bridge (2008, a temporary footbridge on permanent footings for the Reading Festival)

• Whitchurch Bridge (1902, a toll bridge from Whitchurch-on-Thames to Pangbourne)

• Gatehampton Railway Bridge (Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1838)

• Goring and Streatley Bridge (1923)

• Moulsford Railway Bridge (Isambard Kingdom Brunel, 1838)

• Winterbrook Bridge (1993)

• Wallingford Bridge (1809)

• Benson Lock (incorporates public footbridge)

• Shillingford Bridge (1827)

• Little Wittenham Bridge

• Day's Lock (incorporates public footbridge)

• Clifton Hampden Bridge (George Gilbert Scott,1867)

• Appleford Railway Bridge (1929)

• Sutton Bridge

• Culham Bridge (across Swift Ditch, a backwater and former main course of the river near Abingdon)

• Abingdon Bridge (1416)

• Abingdon Lock (incorporates public footbridge)

• Nuneham Railway Bridge (1929)

• Kennington Railway Bridge (1923)

• Isis Bridge (1962)

• Donnington Bridge (1962)

• Folly Bridge (1827)

• Oxford Footbridge

• Osney Footbridge

• Osney Rail Bridge

• Osney Bridge (1885)

Oxford to Cricklade

St. John's Bridge, Lechlade.

• Medley Footbridge (1865)

• Godstow Bridge (1792)

• A34 Road Bridge

• Swinford Toll Bridge (1777)

• Pinkhill Lock (Incorporates public footbridge)

• Hart's Weir Footbridge (1879)

• Newbridge (13th century)

• Tenfoot Bridge

• Shifford Cut Footbridge and Duxford Ford

• Tadpole Bridge

• Old Man's Bridge (1868)

• Radcot Bridge (1787)

• Eaton Footbridge (1936)

• Bloomers Hole Footbridge (2000)

• St. John's Bridge (1886)

• Halfpenny Bridge (James Hollingworth, 1792) - the start of the navigable Thames

• Hannington Bridge

• Castle Eaton Bridge

• Water Eaton House Bridge

• Eysey Footbridge

• A419 Road Bridge

• Cricklade Town Bridge

Beyond Cricklade

• Waterhay Bridge

• High Bridge, Ashton Keynes

• Three Bridges, Ashton Keynes

• unnamed road bridge at grid reference 020946

• Neigh Bridge

• unnamed road bridge at grid reference 004972

• Parker's Bridge, Ewen

• A429 Road Bridge

• A433 Road Bridge

  My family tree has been traced back to the early Kings of England from the 7th Century AD. I am also a direct descendent of Sir Christopher Wren which has given me an interest in English History which is great fun to research.

  I have recently decided to write articles on my favourite subjects: English Sports, English History, English Icons, English Discoveries and English Inventions. At present I have written over 100 articles which I call "An Englishman's Favourite Bits Of England" in various Volumes. Please visit my fun Blogs page http://Bloggs.Resourcez.Com where I have listed all my fun articles to date.

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Copyright © 2010 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.

Western Europe is a great location for a vacation. There are endless places of interest and places where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Cites like Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam bid you come enjoy their mysteries, monuments and mind-altering experiences. These unique places are steeped in history and are centers of culture that have had a profound effect on people the world over. The only question is, 'Where do you start a tour of Western Europe and where do you end it?' It depends on what you are looking for.

Rome is the heart of Europe. Its culture has left its indelible mark worldwide. Rome is home to some of the best known pieces of ancient architecture. There is the Pantheon, the Coliseum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Roman Forum and numerous others. The mystique of Vatican City draws hundreds of thousands of people each year. As you sip your wine at cool evening you hear music in the air. Perfectly pitched music coaxed from the souls of instruments large and small waft on the wind from the Parque dela Musica or Auditorium Concilliaione. For fashionistas shopping on Via Condotti will make you fashionable and current. The myreviewsnow travel store can outfit you perfectly for the Roman weather and gives tips on who, where and what to see in your travels.

London is an important stop on your European travel adventure. London is over 2,000 years old but she looks good. They've done it all in London and still do. Some places of interest include Buckingham Palace where dwells the ruler of the realm and has for hundreds of years. In Trafalgar Square commerce is rendered as high art. The Tower Bridge offers spectacular views of the Thames. At the Tower of London 900 year old walls and turrets protect the priceless Crown Jewels. See Big Ben where time is officially kept. Westminster Abbey is a medieval architectural masterpiece where kings have been crowned for a thousand years. Hyde Park's lakes, gardens, lawns and trees offer respite in London's heart. The National Museum bears a record of expeditions and adventures of the English. Still, London's youthful heart beats in places like Dalstron in Postcode E8.

Its called the city of lights but Paris could be called the city of love. Kissing under the Eiffel Tower in Paris has been a dream of lovers for decades. So are holding hands and strolling on the Champs Elysee, marrying at the 800 year old Notre Dame Cathedral or wine, candlelight and love under the Paris skies. Le Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel) is an excellent example 13th century Gothic art and architecture. Soaring vaults and an explosion of color and stained glass grace this structure which once housed Jesus' crown of thorns and a piece of the true cross. The Church of St. Etienne du Mont is one of the most beautiful in Paris. Its craftsmen worked wonders with wood, stone and stained glass. Myreviewsnow can recommend several great places to visit. The myreviewsnow travel store offers books, maps and tips for exploring Paris.

Amsterdam is an amazing city. It is one of the most liberal in Europe. The remarkable works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh make a number of the Amsterdam museums a must see. Enjoy as Concertgebouw Amsterdam shares musical masterworks with the public free of charge. The Anne Frank House is another important location within Amsterdam. But the spirit of Amsterdam is a joyous one. Tea houses and red light districts, brisk weather and warm people all make Amsterdam a popular destination. Your European travel can be even more pleasant and meaningful with the guidance of myreviewsnow. They offer reviews of food, entertainment and more.

Barcelona is the perfect place to end your European travel adventure. It has a moderate Mediterranean climate, miles of great beaches, fantastic food and some of the best nightlife in Europe. Barcelona boasts classic works by Picasso, the unique style of Salvador Dali and the vision of Antoni Gaudi. Gruell Parc, Casa Batllo and the stunning La Sagrada Familia show Gaudi's genius. MyReviewsNow can give insight into Barcelona nightspots or visit the myreviewsnow travel store for deals and discounts to help you enjoy your European adventure.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/european-travel-hot-spots-for-this-summer-5002673.html

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Looking for hotels in London? Searching for the best place to stay? Fine then, Hotels near London Bridge is a pertinent preference for you. London being an effervescent city offers mammoth choices of stay. To select one tasting your needs is also not intricate However, certain things need consideration prior to any booking. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the bookings are done well in advance. If it is the case then you can avail various advantages. Moreover, you can get a good hotel at a good deal. And also, last minute bookings for Hotels near London Bridge are a hassle and baffling, in addition.
London Bridge is one of the top most attractions of the city, so it makes sense to stay around that area. As a result, as per your budget, and taste you can choose your space from a wide range of Hotels near London Bridge. Guests to this fascinating city will straight away recognize the famous London Bridge. It possesses splendid towers with gold and blue detail connected by a pair of 44m-long walkways. It is definitely a must visit. And if you are staying near the bridge then nothing like it.
Hotels near London Bridge offer accommodation from budget to five-star accommodation.

You can stroll along the area to reach London's major sight seeing places. You can find a lot of variety of Hotels near London Bridge such as: London Bridge hotel, Premier Inn London southwark, Novotel London city south, all seasons London southwark Rose hotel, Marlin apartments- Empire square, Hilton London Tower Bridge, London city hotel and Hotel Indigo London Tower Hill. These hotels are designed for comfort and style when staying at this London City position. This place is definitely an ideal place for business as well as leisure visit. Moreover, rooms of the hotels near the bridge will suit your requirements, with diverse design and room sizes. They are deluxe and are outfitted with technologically advanced amenities. Sometimes, in some hotels you can also get the facility of self catering fully equipped kitchen.
 
With contemporary design, and equipped with modern amenities and furniture Hotels near London Bridge are great hotels for an enjoyable stay. Moreover, you get to discover many hotels of diverse budgets and amenities. Suiting your needs, you can book a hotel and can have a satisfying stay. This area is definitely the top source of accommodation. And also, these hotels are a superb choice as Hotels near London Bridge offer royal welcome. Explore them right now!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/hotels-near-london-bridge-a-practical-and-a-handy-place-as-major-tourist-spots-are-reachable-4973771.html

To stay at Hotels near London Bridge is an experience as they offer quality with comfort with an easy access to major places of the city and also with a sheer range of rooms. Have a great stay at Hotels near London Bridge! Plunge in to the great lifestyle decked up with some plush interiors! For booking of Hotels near London Bridge, please check the website http://www.luxuryhotelinlondon.co.uk/

Currently there are discussions about imposing a 20 mile per hour limit on the center of London to make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians.  The talks are in the early stages but it looks like this could happen in the future.  More and more people are taking to their bikes to travel about in London which is adding pressure to make the centre of the city far more cyclist-friendly. The London Cycling Campaign is fully behind the initiative.   It makes sense because the streets are very narrow and there has been a substantial increase in cyclist casualties since 2003. In 2010 there were 5,391 pedestrian casualties in Greater London, 58 fatal and 855 serious.  The same year saw 4007 pedal cyclist reported casualties with 457 serious and 10 fatal.  These stats are from traffic collisions reported to the police in that year.  There are many more that would have gone unreported.

There is already a 20mph in place around the Tower Bridge which is a complete success and makes it much safer for cyclists. Cyclists want this to be extended to so all of the Square Mile is a 20mph zone.  They believe this one single measure which could do the most to make cycling far safer and more attractive to those not yet cycling. As well as cyclists, pedestrians and the disable would also benefit so really it is a no-brainer!

20mph zones are becoming more and more common throughout some of the UK's top Cities.  Oxford's city centre and Birmingham have changed the speed limit in its centre to 20mph and some of the busiest streets have an advisory 10mph limit.  Central London is the only exception and now stands out like a sore thumb. This is just madness because London's main roads often have far heavier and quicker-moving traffic cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

The decision to change the speed limit in the center of London has been in consideration for a number of years.   Reports have stated that a 20mph zone would smooth traffic flows and reduce journey times for cars and buses. So there are benefits all round, not just for the safety of the growing number of cyclists and pedestrians in London.

If you're fed up with the over stretched peak times on London's public transport system and are thinking of using a bike to get around London you might not realise but cyclists can legally cycle in London's Bus lanes. You will save a lot of money by travelling about this way although there is the initial outlay of cycle and accessories. But you don't even have to buy a bike as last year in July 6,000 bicycles became available for short-term rental at 400 docking stations in nine central London boroughs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/plans-to-make-the-center-of-london-a-20mph-zone-5026022.html

For Kensington hotels check out Simply Rooms and Suites. Set in the heart of London, newly designed Simply Rooms & Suites is one of the new boutique London hotels near Olympia Exhibition Centre.