Thames Crossings in 1900 London: Lambeth Bridge

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RARE EARLY SNUFF BOTTLE BOOK 1935 BY LONDON ENGLAND PROFESSOR 116 ILLUSTRATIONS
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Antique Faudels London German Hand Cranked Sewing Machine In Case With Key
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Reproduced here are Arthur H. Beavan's comments on Lambeth Bridge from Imperial London, first published in 1901:

In 1900 Lambeth was a comparatively new bridge, having been opened to the public in 1862.

It was designed for light vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but its instability even for that soon became apparent, and it was purchased by the Metropolitan Board of Works in 1879 for about £36,000, when it was ascertained that under the strain put upon it, the structure had yielded to such an extent that if a load of 30 lbs. per square foot were to cross it, the bridge would collapse.

It is to be replaced by a substantially-built bridge of greatly increased width, and as it is so near the Palace of Westminster, and leads to Lambeth Palace, the style of architecture will in some way be made to harmonize with these buildings.

(Subsequent to the publication of Imperial London, the new bridge was duly built, and opened on 19 July, 1932 by King George V. Obelisks at either end of the bridge are surmounted by stone pineapples as a tribute to a local resident, John Tradescant the Younger, who reputedly grew the first pineapple in Britain.)

From Lambeth Bridge, the great frontage of the Parliament House can be well studied, but it is rather too near for general effect.

Next: London's Bridges in 1900: Vauxhall Bridge