Beneath this roundabout lies a tale of brickmaking prowess. This is the story of Bricklayers Arms. It is a place where roads converge and history hides in plain sight.
Bricklayers Arms is more than just a junction. It marks where Bermondsey meets Walworth and Elephant & Castle. Tower Bridge Road, Old Kent Road, New Kent Road, and Great Dover Street all meet here. This busy intersection has a four-way roundabout. It also includes a one-way flyover and a bypass lane.
These additions help traffic flow smoothly. They allow easy access to the arterial road from the south-east. This is especially helpful for those using the six road bridges west of London Bridge. Eastbound traffic from New Kent Road to Old Kent Road uses the flyover. The reverse flow uses the ground-level bypass lane.
But why “Bricklayers Arms?” The name comes from a coaching inn that once stood here. The inn was linked to Kent’s famous brickmaking industry. It stood about 500 metres north-west of Mandela Way. This area was the heart of the Bricklayers Arm depots. These depots were crucial for goods and locomotive transport.
For over six centuries, inns served this junction. The original may have been simply called Bricklayers Arms. During rebuilding in the 1890s, workers found old foundations. They even uncovered a hidden hoard of ancient coins.
After Westminster Bridge was built, this spot became vital. Coaches from Kent, like Dover and Canterbury, used Old Kent Road. They would drop off and pick up passengers heading to the West End. The inn’s landlord always worked for the City of London Corporation. Its sign displayed the coat of arms of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. The road was always busy with brick carts. Kent has major brickearth deposits. These are found on the North Downs and the Hoo Peninsula. The mineral content is perfect for brickmaking. It requires precise amounts of chalk, clay, and iron.
In December 1962, the London County Council approved a major change. Plans were made to build a roundabout and flyover. This would replace the old junction. The initial budget was £3,510,000. That is equivalent to £95,000,000 today. Construction began in 1967. Buildings were demolished along Old Kent Road, New Kent Road, and Tower Bridge Road. This was part of a larger regeneration project.
In the 1970s, there was an even grander vision. The Greater London Council planned a road linking the roundabout to the Blackwall Tunnel. This road would cross the Thames in two tunnels near Tower Bridge. It would also connect to London Docklands.
Pedestrian underpasses once led into the roundabout’s heart. These were built with a purpose. London Underground wanted to extend the Bakerloo line from Elephant & Castle. The extension could run under the main road. It would then join surface services at South Bermondsey station. The roundabout could even host a station. However, this extension never happened. The subways became unpleasant. In 2013, they were filled in and replaced with wider pavements.
Since 2009, pelican crossings have been added to New Kent and Old Kent Roads. These crossings allow pedestrians to safely cross at street level. They prevent accidents.
So, as you navigate this busy roundabout, remember its history. Bricklayers Arms is a testament to London’s growth. It reflects its reliance on Kent’s brickmaking and its constant evolution.