Right here before Wandsworth Bridge, we are about to uncover its hidden stories. While it may be considered London’s least noteworthy bridge, its history is rich and full of surprises.
Wandsworth Bridge crosses the River Thames. It links Battersea to Sands End and Parsons Green. Think of it as a vital connection between Wandsworth and Hammersmith and Fulham.
The first bridge here was built in 1873 by Julian Tolmé. He expected a new railway terminus to bring many people. But the railway never arrived. The bridge suffered drainage problems making it commercially unsuccessful.
In 1880, Wandsworth Bridge became public property. It was toll-free then. Tolmé’s bridge was too weak for buses. A Royal Commission suggested a replacement in 1926.
In 1937, the original Wandsworth Bridge was torn down. Sir Thomas Peirson Frank designed the current bridge. It opened in 1940. The bridge was painted in dull blue shades as camouflage during air raids. It still has this color.
The reason for building Wandsworth Bridge was to provide access from the southern end for people wanting to use the railway. But the railway terminus was not built. Also problems existed with drainage on the approach road which made access to the bridge difficult for vehicles.
Before Wandsworth Bridge, the closest bridges were Putney Bridge and Battersea Bridge. Both were over a mile away. The fast flowing River Wandle helped industry grow in the 19th century.
The first Act of Parliament allowed the Wandsworth Bridge Company to build a toll bridge. It had to be at least 40 feet wide with no more than three spans.
Julian Tolmé designed a lattice truss bridge of wrought iron. It cost about £4.5 million in today’s money. The Illustrated London News said that no attempt has been made to produce architectural effect, the structure being substantial rather than ornamental. Pedestrians paid a 1 1/2d toll. Carts paid 6d.
The Metropolitan Railway abandoned plans for a Fulham terminus. Wandsworth Bridge usage remained low. Tolmé’s design could not carry heavy vehicles.
In 1880, the Metropolitan Board of Works took ownership of Wandsworth Bridge. It paid about £6.3 million in today’s prices for it. The bridge was in poor condition.
By 1897, a 10 mph speed limit was set. The bridge became a footbridge because it could not carry buses.
The Ministry of Transport financed most of the new Wandsworth Bridge. Sir Thomas Peirson Frank designed a three-span steel bridge. Its low curves reflected the riverbanks.
In 1940, steel shortages delayed the opening. The panels were painted blue as camouflage. Today, Wandsworth Bridge carries over 50000 vehicles daily.
In 1969, the A214 road linked Wandsworth Bridge to Tooting. The roundabout at the south end was used in A Clockwork Orange.
Wandsworth Bridge marks a speed limit on the Thames. Upstream, the limit is 8 knots. Downstream, it is 12 knots.
So, next time you cross this bridge, remember its story. Think about the railway that never came. Think about the camouflage paint that saved it during the war. Think about its important function.