Albert Bridge, London

The Albert Bridge is a road bridge spanning the River Thames from Chelsea to Battersea in London, England. It is named after Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Prince Consort to Queen Victoria.

Related Topics:
River Thames - Chelsea - Battersea - London - England - Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha - Queen Victoria

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Although authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1864, the bridge, designed by Rowland Mason Ordish originally as a cantilever bridge with a total span of 710 feet, did not open to traffic until 1873.

Related Topics:
Act of Parliament - 1864 - Rowland Mason Ordish - Cantilever bridge - 1873

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The Albert Bridge Company also owned the adjacent Battersea Bridge, but neither bridge generated sufficient toll income to cover their maintenance costs. In 1878, both were purchased by the Metropolitan Board of Works and both ceased to be toll bridges the following year.

Related Topics:
Battersea Bridge - 1878 - Metropolitan Board of Works - Toll bridge

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In 1884 Sir Joseph Bazalgette strengthened and modernised Albert Bridge, rendering it more like a conventional suspension bridge.

Related Topics:
1884 - Joseph Bazalgette - Suspension bridge

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The bridge came close to being replaced after World War II, but a concerted campaign led by, among others, Sir John Betjeman led to its conservation. Weight restrictions have been in place since Bazalgette's time, as have notices urging soldiers from nearby Chelsea Barracks to break step when marching over the bridge for fear that vibrations caused by marching might damage the structure.

Related Topics:
World War II - John Betjeman

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