Westminster Bridge

Westminster Bridge carries road and foot traffic across the Thames between Westminster on the west bank and Lambeth on the east. Its green paint matches the leather seats in the House of Commons, while Lambeth Bridge on the opposite side of Parliament is painted red to match the House of Lords. The bridge was completely refurbished between 2005 and 2007, replacing iron fascias and repainting the whole structure. It links the Palace of Westminster with County Hall and the London Eye, and served as the marathon’s finishing line in its early years. The first Westminster Bridge opened in 1750 after decades of opposition from the Corporation of London and the watermen. Designed by Swiss engineer Charles Labelye, it replaced a long-standing ferry service and opened the way for further Thames crossings. By the mid-19th century the bridge was sinking and was rebuilt in 1862 as a seven-arch cast-iron structure with Gothic detailing by Charles Barry. It carried trams from 1906 to 1952 and remains the oldest central London road crossing since the removal of Rennie’s New London Bridge in 1967. Visitors find a broad walkway with views of the river and the surrounding landmarks. The bridge is a frequent site for protests and public gatherings, often drawing attention from the Metropolitan Police. It has appeared in films, television series and games, including Doctor Who, 28 Days Later and the James Bond film Spectre. The bridge also hosts the Bridges Handicap Race, a traditional London running event.