#thames bridges

[leftoverlondoner]

‘Raining. Hungerford Bridge. London’, a new painting by the excellent Trevor Woods.

[mostly-history]

Boadicea and Her Daughters (1856 – 93, erected 1902) by Thomas Thornycroft, on Westminster Bridge in London.

[huariqueje]

Thames Bridges, Days End    -   John Duffin , 2018

Britisch, b. 1965-

Oil on canvas,   61 x 51 cm (24 x 20,1 in)

[mostly-history]

Waterloo Bridge across the Thames (London, c. 1925).

[mostly-history]

The Battersea Shield (c. 350 – 50 BC).

This Iron Age shield was found in the Thames in 1857, where the Battersea Bridge stands today.  It is actually the facing of a shield – a metal cover that was attached to the front of a wooden shield. It doesn't show signs of combat damage, but may still have been used in warfare.

Flamboyant displays were an important part of Iron Age battles, so weapons and armour from this period are often highly decorated, including hidden decoration.  This shield facing has swirling designs (perhaps with magical or protective aspects that empowered warriors), and highly-polished bronze and red glass, which would have made for a wonderful spectacle in battle.  Even the handle is very ornate.

Many weapons were offered as sacrifices in the Thames during the Bronze and Iron Ages, and this is where this shield facing ended up.

[mostly-history]

The Waterloo Helmet (c. 250 – 50 BC).

This helmet was found in 1868 while dredging near the Waterloo Bridge over the Thames in London.  It is the only Iron Age helmet to have been found in southern England, and the only Iron Age helmet with horns to have been found in Europe.

It wouldn't have been used in battle, as it was made from thin sheets of bronze, which would have made it too fragile.  Instead, it was probably a form of ceremonial head-dress.  Its elaborate decorations are in the La Tène style, which was used in Britain between 250 and 50 BC.  It was once decorated with studs of bright red glass.

[mostly-history]

Battersea Bridge across the Thames (London), with Albert Bridge in the background.

[mostly-history]

Looking northwards on the new London Bridge (c. 1890), which opened in 1831.  Centre left is the Monument to the Great Fire of London; centre right is the spire of St Magnus the Martyr.