Albert Bridge Chelsea London

Albert Bridge, Chelsea, London

Albert Bridge traverses the River Thames in London between Chelsea on the north bank and Battersea on the south bank.

The now iconic bridge dates from the late 19th century and has an interesting history.

The bridge is a hybrid of three different engineering techniques

History

Originally designed and constructed by Rowland Mason Ordish in 1873, Albert Bridge was originally a toll bridge. Unfortunately it was neither a commercial success, nor structurally sound.

As a result the bridge was purchased by the government of the day in 1879 and had to be strengthened with steel chains by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the Board of Works’ Chief Engineer and the man responsible for creating the sewer system in central London.

The structure had already acquired the nickname, “The Trembling Lady” as it tended to shake. Signs are still visible warning troops from the former Chelsea Barracks to break step as they crossed the bridge.

Later in the 1970’s the bridge was strengthened again by the Greater London Council (GLC). The GLC also imposed weight limits for vehicles.

The bridge is 220 metres long and 12 metres wide. Its distinctive paintwork in various pastel shades is meant to make the bridge more visible to river traffic in bad weather. At night the bridge is illuminated by 4,000 low voltage LED lights which makes for a pleasing sight.

Tower Bridge (constructed in 1894) and Albert Bridge are the only Thames road bridges not to have been replaced since they were first constructed. South Quay Footbridge in Canary Wharf is a more recent cable-stayed, pedestrian bridge.

All Troops Must Break Step When Marching Over This Bridge

Nearby

On the north, left bank of the Thames, Albert Bridge is close to the Chelsea Physic Garden, Lister Hospital, and the former residence of Jerome K. Jerome. On the south, right bank of the river, the bridge is close to Battersea Park and its Peace Pagoda as well as the new developments at Battersea Power Station.