Wandsworth Bridge

The first Wandsworth Bridge was a toll bridge built in 1873 by Julian Tolmé in expectation of a surge in traffic due to a planned railway terminus nearby. However, the terminus never materialized, and drainage problems on the approach made it difficult for vehicles to access the bridge. As a result, the bridge struggled financially, and in 1880, it was taken into public ownership and became toll-free. The original bridge was narrow and too weak to carry heavy vehicles like buses, and by 1926, a Royal Commission recommended its replacement.

In 1937, Tolmé’s bridge was demolished, and a new steel cantilever bridge, designed by Sir Thomas Peirson Frank, was constructed. This newer version opened in 1940, during World War II, and was painted in various shades of blue for camouflage against air raids. The bridge still retains this colour scheme today. Although one of London's busiest, with over 50,000 vehicles crossing it daily, Wandsworth Bridge is often described as plain and unremarkable, earning it the title of “probably the least noteworthy bridge in London.”

Historically, Fulham on the north bank and Wandsworth on the south were isolated, with the nearest crossings at Putney and Battersea Bridges over a mile away. The need for a bridge became more pressing as industry grew in Wandsworth during the 19th century. The first Wandsworth Bridge, built cheaply with mismatched materials, was not well-received, with The Illustrated London News describing it as “substantial rather than ornamental.” Problems with its design, including drainage issues and its inability to handle heavy traffic, further reduced its usefulness.

Despite being taken over by the Metropolitan Board of Works in 1880, the bridge continued to deteriorate, and by 1897, speed and weight limits were imposed. By 1926, the bridge had become more of a footbridge, as it couldn’t support buses or heavy vehicles. The decision to replace it was delayed until the late 1930s.

The new bridge, completed in 1940, was designed with simplicity in mind, reflecting the low-lying riverbanks around it. Though it wasn’t intended to be a grand architectural statement, the bridge's design is functional, allowing for potential future widening if needed. Today, it remains a crucial crossing in London, but its minimalist style and muted blue hues keep it understated, blending into the urban landscape rather than standing out.

The southern approach to Wandsworth Bridge has also undergone significant improvements. In 1969, the A214 dual carriageway was built, linking the bridge to Tooting. The large roundabout at the southern end, known for its 1960s modernist design, was featured in the iconic film A Clockwork Orange.

Wandsworth Bridge also marks an important point on the River Thames: a speed limit of 8 knots is strictly enforced for rowers and other river users upstream from the bridge, with a higher limit downstream.