Consider for a moment the countless feet that have crossed this very spot. We are standing before the Hampton Court Bridge. This bridge is more than just a way to cross the River Thames. It’s a landmark steeped in history. It connects Hampton in London with East Molesey in Surrey. Interestingly, it’s the most upstream bridge within Greater London. Uniquely, one of its banks lies within Surrey.
Let’s dive into the Hampton Court Bridge’s past. Before any bridge existed a ferry service operated here. This ferry was crucial since the Tudor period. Traffic increased significantly after Henry VIII took over Hampton Court Palace.
The first Hampton Court Bridge appeared in 1753. James Clarke secured an Act of Parliament in 1750 to build it. Samuel Stevens and Benjamin Ludgator constructed this first bridge. It featured a Chinoiserie design with seven wooden arches. This Willow pattern style was very popular then.
However, that first bridge only lasted about 25 years. A sturdier eleven-arch wooden bridge replaced it in 1778. By 1840, this second bridge was falling apart. The owners asked the Corporation of London for help. They argued that Molesey Lock and Weir made navigation dangerous. People described the bridge as crazy and obstructive.
From 1864 to 1865, the third bridge was constructed. E. T. Murray designed it. Thomas Allan, the bridge’s owner, commissioned it. This bridge featured wrought iron lattice girders on cast iron columns. Its design received heavy criticism. One commentator called it one of the ugliest bridges in England. Despite the criticism, it generated significant income. Allan earned over 3000 pounds annually from tolls. In 1876, a joint committee bought him out for 48048 pounds.
The Hampton Court Bridge you see today is the fourth on this site. It was authorized by Parliament in 1928. W. P. Robinson and Sir Edwin Lutyens designed it. The design reflects the style of Christopher Wren’s work at Hampton Court Palace.
Construction started in September 1930. A small hotel called The Old Castle had to be demolished. Also, the River Mole’s flow was diverted into the River Ember. The Prince of Wales opened the new bridge on July 3 1933. It was opened on the same day as Chiswick and Twickenham bridges. The bridge earned Grade II listed status in 1952.
The Hampton Court Bridge is made of reinforced concrete. It is faced with red bricks and white Portland stone. It has three wide arches that are designed for heavy traffic.
The surroundings enhance the bridge’s appeal. On the north bank, you’ll find architecturally rich buildings. Hampton Court Palace Gardens Bushy Park and Royal Parks are also nearby. The south bank features restaurants boutiques and bars.
Hampton Court Way starts at a roundabout with the A308. This road connects to the A307 and the A3 motorway. The A3050 begins southwest of the bridge. It passes through Molesey Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge.
The next bridge downstream is Kingston Bridge. It is 1.5 miles away. The next bridge upstream is Walton Bridge. It is four miles away.
So, as we stand here on the Hampton Court Bridge remember its layered history. From ferries to wooden structures to this robust concrete bridge it has seen centuries of change. It stands as a testament to both practical needs and architectural aspirations. It links communities and provides a picturesque passage over the Thames.