Kingston Bridge

Kingston Bridge is a vital road bridge carrying the A308 across the River Thames and connecting the Kingston town centre to Hampton Court Park, Bushy Park, and the village of Hampton Wick. The bridge sits just above Teddington Lock, near the mouth of the Hogsmill River, a minor Thames tributary. It also marks the crossing point for the Thames Path and the endpoint for the Thames Down Link long-distance footpath from Box Hill & Westhumble station.

Historical Overview

Before Putney Bridge opened in 1729, Kingston Bridge was the only river crossing between London Bridge and Staines Bridge. The bridge's origins stretch back to Anglo-Saxon England, according to 16th-century antiquarian John Leland. He mentioned that in ancient times, the bridge was positioned further downriver, but as the new town of Kingston emerged in the Saxon era, a new bridge was constructed. Some sources suggest the first Kingston Bridge was built in the 1190s.

Leland refers to a contemporary bridge and an older wooden structure dating from the 13th century, located about 100 feet downstream of the current bridge. In 1318, the bridge was in disrepair, but it played a crucial role in Kingston’s growth as a medieval market town. The timber bridge was repeatedly destroyed during the Wars of the Roses and Wyatt’s Rebellion. Despite financial endowments in 1567 aimed at making it toll-free, tolls were occasionally reinstated in the 18th century to fund repairs.

By the early 19th century, the bridge had become dangerously dilapidated and too narrow for the increasing river and road traffic. After part of the bridge collapsed in 1814, it became clear that a complete replacement was necessary.

The 1828 Bridge

In 1825, Kingston Corporation announced plans to build a new bridge, leading to an Act of Parliament that authorized its construction. An architectural competition awarded John Burges Watson the prize for his cast-iron design, but due to cost concerns, a stone bridge in the classical style was ultimately chosen. Designed by county surveyor Edward Lapidge, the first stone was laid in November 1825, and the Duchess of Clarence opened the bridge on 17 July 1828. The new bridge, built of Portland stone, featured five elliptical arches, spanning 382 feet long and 27 feet wide. The structure was adorned with towers, bastions, and a cornice with a balustrade, giving it a bold and elegant appearance.

After a prolonged campaign, the bridge was freed from tolls on 12 March 1870, an event celebrated with fireworks and the burning of the toll gates. In 1906, tramlines were installed, connecting Surrey and Middlesex, but the growing traffic soon necessitated further widening of the bridge. Between 1912 and 1914, the engineering firm Mott & Hay expanded the bridge’s width from 25 feet to 55 feet, carefully replicating its original design.

Over the years, the bridge has continued to evolve, with another widening in 2000 to accommodate cycle lanes, larger pavements, and a bus lane, bringing its width to 79 feet. Recognized for its historical significance, Kingston Bridge was designated a Grade II* listed structure in 1951.