Albert Bridge

Albert Bridge is a road bridge over the River Thames, connecting Chelsea on the north bank with Battersea on the south. It was initially designed by Rowland Mason Ordish in 1873 as a cable-stayed bridge using the Ordish–Lefeuvre system. However, structural issues became apparent, so Sir Joseph Bazalgette, who also masterminded London’s sewer system, incorporated suspension bridge elements in the 1880s. Later, in 1973, the Greater London Council added concrete piers, turning the central span into a beam bridge. As a result, Albert Bridge is now an unusual mix of three different bridge designs. It’s also a Grade II* listed building, protected for its historical significance.

Initially built as a toll bridge, the bridge wasn’t a commercial success. Six years after opening, it was taken into public ownership, and the tolls were lifted. Interestingly, the original tollbooths remain, making them the last surviving bridge tollbooths in London. Due to its tendency to vibrate when people crossed, particularly troops from nearby Chelsea Barracks, it earned the nickname "The Trembling Lady." To this day, signs warn soldiers to break steps when crossing.

The bridge’s roadway is just 27 feet wide, making it a challenge to accommodate modern traffic. Despite this and its structural weaknesses, Albert Bridge has remained open to vehicles for most of its existence. It is one of only two road bridges in central London—along with Tower Bridge—that has never been replaced.

Initially, the town of Chelsea on the north bank and the farming village of Battersea on the south were connected by the modest wooden Battersea Bridge, built in 1771. By the mid-19th century, this bridge was falling apart, and with nearby Victoria Bridge (now Chelsea Bridge) suffering congestion, a new bridge was proposed. Prince Albert himself suggested building a toll bridge between the two. After some legal wrangling with the owners of Battersea Bridge, who feared losing customers, the Albert Bridge Company was formed, and construction finally began in 1870.

The bridge, completed in 1873, cost significantly more than expected—£200,000 instead of the original estimate of £70,000. Ordish’s design featured a parabolic cable to support the centre and 32 iron rods to support the rest of the deck. However, by 1884, the rods were already corroding. Sir Joseph Bazalgette added steel chains and a new timber deck, transforming it into more of a suspension bridge. Despite these improvements, the bridge’s structural integrity remained a concern, and a weight limit was imposed early on.

With the rise of motor vehicles in the 20th century, Albert Bridge struggled to keep up. Proposals for its demolition or conversion into a pedestrian-only bridge surfaced repeatedly. John Betjeman famously led protests in favour of preserving it. In the 1970s, the bridge was reopened to traffic after a major repair project that added two concrete piers. However, the structure continued deteriorating, and strict traffic measures were introduced to limit its use. Today, it carries the second-least amount of traffic of any Thames road bridge in London, after Southwark Bridge (not including Hammersmith bridge which is currently closed for repairs)

In 1992, Albert Bridge received a unique makeover. Painted in pastel shades of pink, blue, and green, this new colour scheme was designed to make the bridge more visible during foggy conditions and reduce the risk of ship collisions. The bridge is illuminated at night by 4,000 LED lights, adding to its status as a London landmark.

In 2010, the bridge closed for a major refurbishment that lasted nearly two years. The timber deck and footways were replaced, new steel structures were added for extra support, and energy-efficient lights were installed. Costing £7.2 million, the project was funded by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Transport for London. The bridge reopened in December 2011 with a charming ceremony, where two dogs named Prince and Albert from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home were walked across to mark the occasion.

Despite its age and structural challenges, Albert Bridge remains a beloved London icon. Its pastel colours, historical tollbooths, and nightly illumination make it a striking feature of the Thames. It has appeared in films like *A Clockwork Orange* and *Sliding Doors*, and it even inspired the The Pogues song “Misty Morning, Albert Bridge.” Though it may tremble underfoot, this quirky and elegant bridge continues to stand the test of time.