Marlow Bridge

Marlow Bridge spans the River Thames between Marlow in Buckinghamshire and Bisham in Berkshire. It stands just above Marlow Lock on the stretch leading to Temple Lock. The bridge has Grade I listed status, marking its national importance. Timber bridges have crossed here since at least the 14th century. A later wooden bridge built in 1789 increased headroom for river traffic.

The present suspension bridge was designed by William Tierney Clark and completed in 1832. His design was later used for Budapest’s Széchenyi Chain Bridge. In the 1950s local councillor J. A. G. Griffith fought to save the bridge from demolition. Instead, a bypass was built to take through traffic, preserving the historic structure.

Visitors find a graceful suspension bridge with two stone towers. The deck carries only pedestrians and local vehicles due to a 3-tonne weight limit. After a lorry damaged part of the structure in 2016, careful repairs restored it fully. The bridge offers views upriver towards Marlow and downstream towards Bisham. Its ironwork and stonework remain largely as Clark designed them nearly two centuries ago.