Here is the first episode of the series at Hampton Court bridge. Remember to give the video a thumbs up, subscribe and take the survey to help us with the popularity rating.
This week Mark takes us through the history and aesthetics of the bridge, while Matt talks about the engineering. Both give the bridge a rating out of 10 one for engineering and the other for aesthetics
The first bridge to be built next to Hampton Court Palace opened in 1753. 180 years later the Prince of Wales opened the fourth bridge on this site. Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens strove to mimic the style and portions of Sir Christopher Wren's part of the Palace. The bridge is unusual because it links Greater London on the north bank with Surrey on the south bank.
The construction of this bridge required the diversion of the River Mole into the last stretch of the River Ember, the two rivers now discharge into the Thames to the east. For me there is something pleasing about taking two rivers which were running parallel for some distance and amalgamating them. It's efficient. As for the bridge itself, it's built of reinforced concrete, which had only been around for about half a century at this point. Plus It is faced with Portland Stone and Red Brick and therefore marries cost with aesthetics, a principle aim in engineering.
The red brick and Portland Stone gives this bridge a striking resemblance to the palace and helps it blend in with its surroundings. The simple design gives the bridge a subtle beauty so the passing tourist is not distracted from the Palace. The bridge does not try to match the palace's size or splendour it just sits quietly next to it. That’s why I like this bridge, it doesn't try to be something it's not
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Next week - Kingston (26.09.15)
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