Kew Bridge — Attraction in London

Kew Bridge joins Brentford on the north side of the Thames with Richmond on the south.

Until 1759 the only way across the Thames at this point were two ferries owned by Robert Tunstall. The foot ferry for pedestrians ran just west of the present bridge. And the King's Ferry which could take horses and vehicles was further west, probably at Ferry Lane. But with the Royal Family owning Kew House, across the river opposite Brentford, the pressure grew for a bridge to link the main road west from London to Oxford and Gloucester with Richmond and Kew on the south side of the river.

In 1757 an Act of Parliament was passed to allow Tunstall to build a bridge linking Brentford in Middlesex with Kew in Surrey. It was intended to run along the route of the King's Ferry but local objections relocated it to the line of the foot ferry. A new Act was required and in 1758 Tunstall commissioned John Barnard, master carpenter on a proposed wooden bridge at Westminster, to design Kew Bridge.

Construction began in April 1758. The bridge had eleven arches, two at each end were of stone joined by seven wooden arches across the main span of the river. As the builder and ferry owner Tunstall was allowed to charge tolls to cross - from a halfpenny for pedestrians up to one shilling and sixpence for a coach and four horses. In today's money that would be about 30p on foot and £10 for a coach and four.

The bridge was dedicated to George, Prince of Wales and his mother Augusta. The Prince inaugurated the bridge on 1 June 1759, driving across it with his mother. It opened to the public three days later on 4 June 1759. It is said that 3000 people crossed the bridge on the first day. That evening a banquet for local gentry was held in the Rose & Crown at Kew with a bonfire and illuminations on Kew Green.

In the same year the Physic and Exotic Garden was founded in the grounds of Kew House, the start of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

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Exceedingly scenic views of Brentford and it's boat dwelling community on the West side. And of Strand-On-The-Green's 18th century Riverside path stretching Eastwards from Kew Bridge. Going South over The River Thames onto leafy Kew Green. Whilst leaving behind the horrendous new skyscrapers that now crowd the North of Kew Bridge junction! Who ever gave them permission to build these monstrosities should be hung, drawn and quartered! Originally built of wood in 1759. To replace a horse powered ferry. But the current proved too strong and damaged it's structure. 2nd bridge was built in stone by James Paine 1789. And opened by George 3rd. Today's present bridge was designed by Sir John Wolffe-Barry and CA Breton and opened by Edward 7th in 1903. It's name was changed to the Edward 7th Bridge. But due to popular demand was changed back to Kew Bridge shortly afterwards. In close proximity North of The River Thames is ; Kew Bridge Station, The London Museum of Water and Steam, The Musical Museum, Waterman's Arts Centre, Boston Manor House and Park, Syon House, Syon Park, Syon Great Conservatory, Snakes and Ladders Children's Adventure Indoor Playground and Hillier's Garden Centre. And Strand-On-The-Green's footpath with it's plethora of waterside pubs. In close proximity South of The River Thames is ; Kew Gardens Station, Kew Green, The Herbarium and Library, St Anne's Parish Church, Kew Palace, The Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew, Kew Village Pond, Kew Pier, and Newen's Original Maid's of...

Always been one of my favourite landmarks in West London. It has obviously changed over the years but it is still a picturesque spot, winter or summer. The flats towering above and around it now are spoiling the skyline but that is something that comes with living in a big city, I guess. And the traffic has always been horrific at Kew Bridge roundabout, as it is the only way to and from Richmond hence the bus lane. I come to realise that some of the pubs and restaurants there are disappointing once one walks in but I am streetwise enough to know what to expect. The One over the Ait Fuller's pub reigns supreme over the riverbank and always makes me think about Huckleberry Finn's novel for some reason, and I must admit that I have never cared much for the area across the Bridge -until you get to the Kew Cricket field- but I am glad to see that last year the Jubilee Tunnel opened so one can avoid the traffic above, specially joggers and cyclists -God Bless them as they are two species I would surely like to...