History Kew Bridge

kew pier few metres downstream of kew bridge

by 1890s clear second bridge not cope weight of traffic , in case approach narrow , steep on brentford side. engineer sir john wolfe barry invited assess bridge in 1892 , recommended building new bridge rather modifications second one.

the kew bridge act of 1898 paved way , third bridge commissioned jointly middlesex , surrey county councils @ cost of £250,000. engineers barry , brereton , building contractors easton gibbs , son. third bridge 1,182 feet (360 m) long, , largest of 3 arches has span of 133 feet (41 m). roadway 56 feet (17 m) wide (compared 18 feet (5.5 m) on second bridge), , pavements 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) compared 3 feet 3 inches (0.99 m). built of granite cornwall.

a temporary wooden bridge put in place upstream of second bridge before demolition during october december 1899. third bridge completed official opening on 20 may 1903 king edward vii , queen alexandra processed through kensington, hammersmith, chiswick , brentford on way ceremony, returning via mortlake , barnes , re-crossing thames @ putney bridge.

the centre of bridge provided tented pavilion 60 yards long , spanning whole width. special temporary balcony, projecting this, installed crowds on banks , on water see royal visitors. king laid last coping stone silver trowel , declared bridge open. , queen given number of gifts including bouquets, bound history of bridge , various other commemorative items including silver mounted prehistoric flint axe found during construction work, axe part of haft remaining , fine silver spirit level made in shape of bridge itself. later mayor of richmond presented chair ladders in carved in shape of 3 bridges. inhabitants of brentford , chiswick presented 1721 silver tankard.

after departure of royals huge party took place on lawns @ kew gardens , 1,000 children entertained tea in marquee on kew green, event hosted cuthbert brereton.

during silent era of film, kew bridge studios operated close bridge. site subsequently used q theatre.