Hammersmith Bridge

Opened in 1887, Hammersmith Bridge stands as a testament to Victorian engineering. This isn’t the first bridge to grace this spot on the Thames. The original Hammersmith Bridge, a groundbreaking suspension bridge, opened in 1827. It was the first of its kind to span the Thames and, for a time, the longest suspension bridge worldwide. This initial bridge fueled Hammersmith’s growth, solidifying its importance west of London. But by the 1870s, the bridge struggled to cope with increasing traffic. The sight of 11,000 people crammed onto the bridge during the 1870 University Boat Race highlighted its limitations. This led to the Metropolitan Board of Works purchasing the bridge and commissioning a replacement. Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the mastermind behind London’s sewer system, designed the current Hammersmith Bridge. It was built upon the sturdy foundations of its predecessor. The new bridge, opened in 1887 by the Prince of Wales, stretched 700 feet long and 43 feet wide. Constructed primarily of wrought iron, its creation cost a hefty £82,117. Hammersmith Bridge has seen its share of turmoil. In 1939, a quick-thinking hairdresser, Maurice Childs, thwarted an IRA bomb attack. He spotted a smoking suitcase on the bridge, opened it, discovered the bomb, and threw it into the river just before it detonated. A second bomb exploded moments later, causing some damage. For this brave act, Childs received an MBE. Years later, in 1996, the Provisional IRA attempted another attack with the largest Semtex bomb ever found in Britain. The bomb failed to detonate. Then, in 2000, a Real IRA bomb did explode, causing significant damage and leading to a two-year closure for repairs. More recently, cracks in the bridge’s pedestals forced its closure to motor vehicles in 2019. A full closure followed in 2020 due to worsening cracks caused by a heatwave. Hammersmith Bridge reopened to pedestrians and cyclists in 2021 after extensive stabilization efforts and the implementation of a temperature control system. Currently, the bridge continues its journey through time. Repairs are underway, with a focus on stabilizing the fractured pedestals and replacing the original bearings. Despite the challenges, Hammersmith Bridge persists, a resilient symbol of London’s history.