The provision and administration of bridges over the Lower Thames 1701-1801, with special reference to Westminster and Blackfriars

Abstract

The thesis attempts to describe the provision and administration of two bridges across the Lower Thames in the eighteenth century. The first, at Westminster, was built by a special Commission set up by Parliament, between 1736 and 1750. The second, at Blackfriars, built between 1756 andl766, was the responsibility of a Committee of Common Council. The material consists chiefly of the Minutes of the Commission and Committee, Acts and Reports of Parliament and contemporary pamphlets, and is divided into five sections: The first is a description of the reasons why these new bridges were necessary, and how and why they were opposed. The second consists of an analysis and comparison of the constitutions of the two bodies responsible for them, and of their members, as well as of the duties for which they were responsible. The third describes the technical problems involved in the construct-ion of two major stone bridges, in the context of contemporary skill in the subject, and also assesses the degree of success with which they were overcome. The fourth section describes the means for providing the necessary funds - for Westminster by public lotteries and direct Parliamentary grants: for Black-friars from tolls charged on the bridge and loans raised on their, and other, credits. It deals also with the money raised, from the Westminster Bridge Estates and further loans for Blackfriars, for their maintenance. The last deals with the acquisition of the property necessary to build the new approach streets, and its clearance, and also with the construction of the new roads and buildings both north and south of the Thames .