Lambeth Bridge

One of the most noticeable features of Lambeth Bridge is its red paint, which matches the colour of the benches in the House of Lords, located near the southern end of the Palace of Westminster. This is a nice contrast to Westminster Bridge, which is predominantly green, echoing the benches in the House of Commons on the opposite side of Parliament.

Lambeth Bridge sits on the site of what was once a horse ferry service between the Palace of Westminster and Lambeth Palace. The legacy of this ferry service is still evident in Horseferry Road, which leads to the bridge on the Westminster side. The first modern bridge on this site was a suspension bridge designed by Peter W. Barlow, stretching 828 feet (252 meters). Opened as a toll bridge on November 10, 1862, it quickly developed safety concerns and mainly became a pedestrian bridge. It stopped charging tolls in 1879 when the Metropolitan Board of Works took over its maintenance, though by then, it was heavily corroded and closed to vehicles by 1910.

Plans for a replacement road bridge began with the London County Council, which obtained authorization in 1924. However, the 1928 Thames flood caused significant damage in the Millbank area before construction could start. This disaster led to the raising of the Chelsea Embankment, which also prompted minor redesigns to Lambeth Bridge's approaches, creating what is now known as Victoria Tower Gardens South. The delay also allowed the bridge to be redesigned to accommodate heavier motorized traffic.

The current Lambeth Bridge, a five-span steel arch structure, was designed by engineer Sir George Humphreys and architects Sir Reginald Blomfield and G. Topham Forrest. It was built by Dorman Long and officially opened by King George V on July 19, 1932. Initially, the bridge carried four lanes of road traffic, but it has since been reduced to three, with one lane reserved for eastbound buses.

One distinctive feature of Lambeth Bridge at road level is the pair of obelisks at either end of the bridge, each topped with what looks like stone pinecones. An urban legend persists that these are pineapples, supposedly a tribute to John Tradescant the Younger, a Lambeth resident believed to have grown the first pineapple in Britain. Although it’s a charming story, the true design remains a mystery, though pinecones are more likely.

In 2008, Lambeth Bridge was declared a Grade II listed structure, which means it’s now protected from unsympathetic developments that might alter its character. This listing includes the bridge and its parapets, lamps, obelisks, and approach walls.

Today, Lambeth Bridge remains an essential connection across the Thames, blending history, architecture, and urban legend into a landmark functional and symbolic of London’s rich past. Its design, vibrant red colour, and surrounding history make it an essential part of the city’s landscape. At the same time, its Grade II listing ensures that it will continue to be preserved for future generations to appreciate.