The gorgeous, historical Waterloo Bridge links the city’s two banks of the River Thames.
From the bridge, you can see some of London’s most popular landmarks, like the London Eye and National Theatre.
As dusk draws near, stand in the middle of the bridge’s footpath to see the famous Waterloo sunset.
On the other side, you can see the grandiose 18th-century Somerset House.
To the west, you’ll see Big Ben from afar and to the east, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London financial district.
How to get to Waterloo Bridge
The closest tube station is Southwark at a 4 minute walk.
Lambeth North and Waterloo which are both a 14 minute walk.
You can also get there by bus with several stations just a couple minute walk away.
For those that love taking the River Bus, you can get off at Festival Pier and walk just 14 minutes to Waterloo Bridge.
History of Waterloo Bridge
The London County Council came to the decision in the 1930s that they would demolish the bridge and design a newer, more updated one with Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.
The project was put on pause because of World War II.
Ernest Buckton and John Cuerel, of Rendel Palmer & Tritton, were the project engineers.
Because he wasn’t an engineer, Scott’s idea of reinforcing concrete beams beneath the footways and a road to be supported by transverse slabs was challenging to put into action.
The bridge was officially opened to the public in September 1942, though it wasn’t completely finished until 1945. What’s interesting is that this is the only Thames bridge that German bombers damaged during WWII.
According to popular belief, most of the workforce for Peter Lind & Company were women. As such, it has been nicknamed “the Ladies’ Bridge”.
The dining room floor of Hamstone House, which Lind commissioned and erected himself at St. George’s Hill in Surrey in 1938, was made using elm wood from the abandoned bridge.
Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian dissident who resided in London, was murdered by the Bulgarian secret police while walking across Waterloo Bridge on September 7, 1978.
It is believed that agents of the Soviet security agency assisted in the murder.
It is rumored that they used a poisoned pellet, which they used an modified umbrella to fire.
FAQ
Why was Waterloo Bridge demolished?
The original bridge at this site was constructed by John Rennie and named to reflect British victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The 1831 demolition of the old London Bridge caused changes in river flow that began damaging Waterloo Bridge.
Can you drive over Waterloo Bridge?
Yes cars and vans can drive over Waterloo Bridge.
Can you walk over Waterloo Bridge?
The bridge was rebuilt in 1945 after it had been destroyed. On the cultural walk and bridges walk, you may stroll across waterloo bridge.
How long is Waterloo Bridge?
Waterloo Bridge is 233 feet long.
What Stone is Waterloo Bridge?
Waterloo Bridge is made from Cornish Granite.
