You Shall Not Pass (Unless You're on a Bridge, That Is): How Many Bridges Criss-Cross the Thames?
Ah, London. A city steeped in history, shrouded in fog (sometimes), and positively lousy with bridges. But how many bridges are we talking about exactly? Enough to make your head spin? Enough to render a game of London Bridge is Falling Down completely unplayable? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of Thames bridges.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
 |
| How Many Thames Bridges In London |
More Bridges Than Your Nan's Got Bingo Cards
That's right, folks. The grand total of bridges gracing the River Thames is a whopping 35. Yes, you read that correctly. 35! That's more bridges than your average indecisive person has socks (though, perhaps not more socks than your grandma). From the iconic Tower Bridge to the more, shall we say, less-photographed Barnes Railway Bridge, these bridges serve as the city's veins, carrying vehicles, pedestrians, and even the occasional rogue tumbleweed (one can dream).
 |
But Are They All Like, Super Fancy?
Well, that depends on your definition of fancy. We've got the grand dames like Tower Bridge, a behemoth of a structure that raises its bascules (the fancy name for the drawbridge bit) to allow tall ships to pass. Then there's the elegant Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian-only marvel that wobbled a bit much in its early days (don't worry, it's all sorted now). But hey, not all heroes wear capes – or are suspension bridges. There are plenty of workhorse bridges, like Lambeth Bridge, just quietly getting on with the job of shuttling traffic across the Thames.
Fun Thames Bridge Facts That Will Impress Your Friends (or At Least Slightly Bemuse Them)
- Double Duty: Some bridges are like the ultimate overachievers. Take Putney Bridge, for example. It carries not only cars and pedestrians but also the London Underground! Talk about multitasking.
- Bridge on a Bridge: Yes, you read that right. Inception? More like Inception Bridge. The Hammersmith Bridge used to have a separate suspension bridge built on top of it to carry the railway. Unfortunately, it's no longer in use, but it definitely wins the award for most-extra bridge.
- Bridge Crossing Olympics (Unofficial): We all know about the Boat Race, but what about the Bridge Race? Here's the idea: you run across every single Thames bridge. There. You're welcome (but maybe don't do this without proper training).
Thames Bridge FAQs: You Asked, We (Sort of) Answered
- How to count all the bridges? Patience, my friend. Grab a comfy pair of shoes and a map, or consult a handy online list.
- How to get across the Thames without a bridge? Ferry? Tunnel (if you're a fish)? Or, you know, swimming (not recommended – the Thames is pretty chilly).
- How to avoid getting lost while bridge-hopping? A map and a good sense of direction are your best bets.
- How to impress someone with your Thames bridge knowledge? Drop that Hammersmith Bridge double-decker bridge fact we mentioned earlier. Bonus points for dramatic reenactment.
- How many bridges are too many bridges? There's no such thing as too many bridges! (Except maybe for that one time they tried to build a bridge over the entirety of London. Let's just say it caused a bit of a traffic jam.)
 |
