Southwark Bridge

Southwark Bridge is a road bridge across the River Thames in London. It links the district of Southwark on the south bank with the City of London on the north bank. The bridge carries vehicles and forms part of the main road network. It has three large arches made of steel and concrete. The bridge stands near several well-known landmarks and cultural sites. The bridge has an interesting history that goes back to the early 19th century. It was first built in 1819 as a toll bridge designed by John Rennie the Elder. The original bridge was made of cast iron and had the longest iron span of its time. Later, in 1921, the current bridge was opened by King George V after being redesigned by Ernest George and Basil Mott. A plaque on the bridge records the names of those involved in its rebuilding. Visitors to Southwark Bridge find a wide, clean roadway with good views of the Thames. On the north side, the bridge connects to Upper Thames Street, while the south end is close to Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre. Below the bridge on the south bank are old steps once used by Thames watermen. A pedestrian tunnel nearby contains a frieze showing historic Thames frost fairs. The bridge also carries Cycle Superhighway 7, making it a practical route for cyclists.