Hammersmith Bridge

From Innovation to Necessity: The Bridge's Twin Legacies

Hammersmith Bridge stands as a monument to two distinct eras of Victorian engineering. The original bridge, completed in 1827 and designed by William Tierney Clark, was the first suspension bridge ever built across the River Thames and the longest suspension crossing in the world at the time of its opening. This engineering marvel featured innovative chain and suspension rod technology that captured the imagination of engineers and the public alike. However, within decades, the original structure proved inadequate for the demands of modern traffic. At just 14 feet wide at its towers, it could barely accommodate horse-drawn omnibuses traveling in both directions without endangering pedestrians. By the 1870s, the bridge's limitations had become critical. In 1870, when approximately 11,000 to 12,000 spectators crowded onto the bridge to watch the University Boat Race—an annual event that passes directly beneath the structure—the bridge swayed dramatically under their combined weight. This alarming incident, combined with a boat collision in 1882 that caused structural damage, prompted Parliament to authorize a replacement in 1883.

Bazalgette's Masterpiece: Engineering and Aesthetics United

Sir Joseph Bazalgette, already celebrated for revolutionizing London's sewage system, was tasked with designing the new bridge. Construction began in 1884, with a temporary bridge erected alongside to maintain traffic flow. The new Hammersmith Bridge opened on 11 June 1887, officially inaugurated by the Prince of Wales. Bazalgette's design was a triumph of Victorian engineering: 700 feet long and 43 feet wide, constructed primarily of wrought iron with a cost of £82,117—equivalent to approximately £11.5 million in modern currency. The bridge's most distinctive feature is its striking green and gold color scheme, specified by Bazalgette in his original plans from the early 1880s. Contrary to popular belief, this palette was not chosen to match Harrods department store, though the store's nearby furniture depository in Barnes may have influenced the decision. The ornamental flourishes and elegant proportions of Bazalgette's design transformed the bridge into an architectural landmark that has endured for over 135 years. Remarkably, the current bridge rests on the original stone pier foundations constructed for Tierney Clark's 1827 structure, creating a physical continuity between the two engineering generations.

A Bridge Under Siege: Bombs, Closures, and Resilience

Despite its robust construction, Hammersmith Bridge has endured an extraordinarily turbulent history. As a vital transportation artery, any closure creates significant congestion across west London, making it an unfortunate target for political violence. The bridge has survived three bomb attacks. The first occurred on 29 March 1939, when the Irish Republican Army planted a device in a suitcase on the walkway. A passerby, Maurice Childs, discovered the smoking bag and threw it into the river; the explosion sent a 60-foot column of water skyward, though the bridge sustained only minor damage. A second IRA bomb detonated moments later, collapsing some girders on the west side but failing to destroy the structure. On 26 April 1996, the Provisional IRA planted two large Semtex devices—the largest Semtex bomb ever found in Britain at that time—on the south bank. Despite activated detonators, the bombs failed to ignite. The most successful attack came on 1 June 2000, when a Real IRA splinter group detonated a bomb underneath the Barnes span, causing significant damage. Following this attack, the bridge remained closed for two years while repairs were completed. When it reopened, strict weight restrictions were imposed: only single-decker buses could cross, and a 7.5-tonne weight limit remains in effect today.

Structural Challenges and Modern Preservation

Beyond terrorist threats, the bridge has faced relentless structural challenges. In 1984, the Barnes-side tower bearings failed under heavy load and required replacement. By 2019, critical faults were discovered in the structure, prompting the immediate ban of motor vehicles. A year later, new sensors revealed that these faults had worsened significantly in just hours, likely due to a heatwave. The closure was extended to pedestrians, bicycles, and river traffic, preventing crowds from gathering to watch the famous Boat Race—a poignant echo of the 1870 incident that had originally necessitated the bridge's replacement. As a Grade II* listed structure and beloved west London landmark, the decision was made to repair rather than rebuild. The bridge's heritage value and engineering significance were deemed too important to sacrifice. Following the 2000 bomb attack, the bridge received a complete restoration to its original 1887 color scheme and new lighting was installed. Today, Hammersmith Bridge remains under the stewardship of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which assumed responsibility in 1985. The bridge stands as a testament to Victorian engineering resilience and the enduring importance of heritage preservation in modern London.

Connections Across the Thames

The bridge links the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham on the north side with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames on the south. In Barnes, the southern approach connects to a transformed landscape: four disused 19th-century reservoirs have been converted into a wetland nature reserve, creating an unexpected ecological sanctuary in urban west London. Nearby stands St Paul's School, which relocated from the City of London to Barnes in 1968, adding to the area's cultural significance.