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Lambeth Bridge |
Seven Thames bridges to be ‘protected’ from developers
VAUXHALL and Lambeth bridges are among seven Thames bridges that have been given listed status.
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham made the announcement last week following advice from English Heritage.
The historic bridges – the gateway into Westminster from south London – have been given Grade II-listed status to protect against unsympathetic development. “Bridges have straddled the Thames uniting north and south London for centuries,” Mr Burnham said. “In fact there is evidence of structures across the river dating as far back as 1500BC. These examples represent the very best of Britain’s bridge-building heritage. “They show British engineering at its best. I believe they should be celebrated and preserved for generations to come.”
Lambeth Bridge was opened on July 12 1929 by King George V and Queen Mary, and was constructed by the same firm that built the Tyne and Sydney Harbour bridges.
The site of Lambeth Bridge was an ancient landing site dating from the 13th century.
Before the bridge was erected, a horse-ferry shuttled between Lambeth and Millbank, hence the name of its famous approach road,
Horseferry Road.
In 1965, it became the first of the capital’s bridges to be tunnelled beneath to create a pedestrian walkway along the embankment. |
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