Here's my attempt... Least used bridge in central London Built in 1920-something, replacing an earlier one... I think... Used by Cycle Superhighway 7. That's it.
Mr Foreman, I've been using your informative videos in my teaching for a long time. I've even created worksheets to your videos which EFL students have to watch as homework. My foreign students adore your amusing style and clear accent. We often have walking trips around London after class to the places which you show in the videos. All your insightful work has been extremely helpful and useful for all my foreign students studying English in the UK. You're a star! Merry Christmas, btw!
Not being from London my knowledge of Southwark bridge is limited, let me count the ways - it's a bridge; it's over the Thames; it's in London; the pronunciation of Southwark is different from my expectation given the letters in the word - I expect there would be a similar surprise for non-locals to the Sheffield places named Beauchief and Greenhill. Fascinating bridge history nonetheless.
It's also used a lot for filming (car chases, etc) because it's so quiet and therefore easier to close on Sundays. I once saw National Treasure 2 being filmed there. :)
Two things about the cannon as bollard. A cannon ball set into the mouth of the cannon is of course the reason why many of our modern made for purpose bollards have a hemi-spherical domed top, Also oddly they use cannon in this way in Havana, but there they are set into the ground mouth down.
when William the conqueror came to take London, his army attempted to cross at southwark, but met resistance, so marched around the thames and came in from the north. he also started the white tower (main bit of tower of london) near the crossing as he wanted to overlook that crossing, but at that time, the tower was on the very edge of london, and right next to the thames, so he could defend from the east and the thames from there.
Please do a history of Shad Thames video! It's imo the coolest street in London with all its bridges, and you can still feel the atmosphere of what it used to be when you stand under them 😄
You missed my favourite bit of Graffiti, which is in the tunnel, on the south bank side. Someone years ago added stickers that look very real alongside a bridge drawing in the style of the other descriptions in the tunnel. It reads: "Unimpressed with the selection of flat-pack bridges offered, a design from the Argos catalogue was chosen via a public vote in the Spring of 1757. Upon the bridge's arrival, the instruction booklet was lost immediately by head surveyor Robert Mylne" - I think it's referring to the red pillars nearby :)
Part of the reason for southwark bridge being the least used is probably TFL. Before the cycleway was built, there was room for 3 lanes of traffic (and to turn around a 12m coach on the bridge). Since the cycle way has been built the motorised traffic has been reduced to a single lane each way and the traffic light phasing changed so that fewer vehicles seem to get through at each change leading to long queues and 5+ minutes to cross the bridge northbound. With other bridges, the increase in cycle flow had not been met with such a decrease in other traffic flow, hence it is lower used.
Southwark Bridge is difficult to find if you’re approaching it from south of the river. It also lost some of its usefulness when Queen Street was blocked to motor traffic.
Ofcom are in the bow fronted building on the south bank adjacent to the bridge. Now called Riverside House it used to have a different name before it was modernised.
I always used to use it when crossing from south to north in a car as it had the least traffic. I was surprised there was no mention of Pepys stairs as I was informed on a guided tour that these were next to Southwark Bridge. They were just Waterman’s stairs, but the close proximity of Samuel Pepys residence provides them with the name.
I seem to remember some kind of lion statue on Southwark Bridge back in my '70's childhood. I either walked across it or went on some kind of school trip back then. It's about the only London bridge I've never driven across.
As a lover and inhabitant of London for 70 years I know it goes from the North side of the Thames to the South and back again from somewhere to somewhere else. I feel quite ashamed.
This Bridge was also known as the over lit bridge, and constantly complained about. The line of three gas mantle lights were known to disturb the goings on around the SouthBank at night and was not very popular as a result. It was indeed the brightest spot on the Thames at night. It’s also known for the many movies that have used it as a backdrop, because as the bridge that goes nowhere it is easily blocked off for filming.
There's also "Feast on the Bridge" where they close the bridge to traffic and line it with tables and food stalls. I went to it one year, very cool. Not sure if they still do it
The colouring seems similar to that of the 4711 Eau de Cologne brand as well as some of its buildings in Cologne (e.g. today's "Barthonia Forum" on Venloer Straße in Ehrenfeld). I quite like this colour scheme actually
My list started with ‘Only one person has made a video of Southwark Bridge.’ And my second point was that ‘I don’t think Prince Andrew will be making a video about Southwark Bridge any time soon.’ That’s about all that came to mind.
Wasn’t there a scene in the Only fools and horses episode Time on our hands which was filmed nearby the bridge which shows Rodney and Cassandra waving to Albert on a boat he crashes (obviously) from there new home they move into after becoming rich
@@joermnyc Don't guess then. There's plenty of iron bridges around the world. The real reason is hard to track down though, and seems to have been demolished around the start of World War I, because it was too narrow for modern traffic. The new bridge was finally opened after the war in 1921.
In the early 90's when them Irish were running car bombs are , I had to remove a Renault 5 from the middle of the bridge at one of the first ever Ring of Steel stop and checks . It was believed he was aiming for the Guildhall which was possible before they fully enforced the Stop and check on entry to the City of London. Did I miss why the bridge is that colour ? Or the plaque to honour the Marchioness just under that bridge .
@@dorthusiast Ha, good point. I guess I just assumed that CZcams comments could include images like on every other social network. You learn something new everyday.
It was not mentioned why Southwark Bridge is painted that colour, might it have anything to do with the Diocese of Southwark, the Cathedral is close to the bridge.
List of southwark bridge facts One of only two bridges that are in line with a church (wobbly bridge being the other) Worst architectural approach of any London bridge (FT + Offcom monstrosities on the south side and the mistake better know as the Thames exchange on the other) Only bridge with a T junction on the north bank Over looks the little ship club which is a naval sailing club that sails from Portsmouth (yes wth is there HQ next to southwark bridge) Used to over look two docks. No idea what they are called Only bridge over london (I think) with covered alcoves Maybe the shortest car loading bridge crossing the Thames in central London Only bridge with a concrete divide between the bike lane and car lane which pre-dates any terror attack Only bridge with pedestrian underpasses on both sides of the bridge That's it for now
Martin most likely too narrow or not strong enough to cope with larger volumes of heavier vehicles that came about in the early twentieth century with horse drawn traffic being superseded by engine driven vehicles.
The tunnel and tiling and bridge I'm very fond of but its odd having the word Southwark without it being covered in graffiti like most things are in Southwark.
I'm American. I'm guessing Southwark Bridge (don't expect most Yanks to say it right) connects Southwark to London north of the Thames (we're better at saying this one despite your weird spelling). It must be convenient to Southwark Cathedral and whatever else there may be to visit in that borough.
Here's my attempt...
Least used bridge in central London
Built in 1920-something, replacing an earlier one... I think...
Used by Cycle Superhighway 7.
That's it.
Mr Foreman, I've been using your informative videos in my teaching for a long time. I've even created worksheets to your videos which EFL students have to watch as homework. My foreign students adore your amusing style and clear accent. We often have walking trips around London after class to the places which you show in the videos. All your insightful work has been extremely helpful and useful for all my foreign students studying English in the UK. You're a star! Merry Christmas, btw!
Ay
Bim bim bim
THE CHOSEN ONE IS HERE
Not being from London my knowledge of Southwark bridge is limited, let me count the ways - it's a bridge; it's over the Thames; it's in London; the pronunciation of Southwark is different from my expectation given the letters in the word - I expect there would be a similar surprise for non-locals to the Sheffield places named Beauchief and Greenhill. Fascinating bridge history nonetheless.
Beat me to it.
Are they pronounced "Beef" and "Grill"?
Maybe I'm just hungry.
@@tinnagigja3723 Actually not that far off!
It's also used a lot for filming (car chases, etc) because it's so quiet and therefore easier to close on Sundays. I once saw National Treasure 2 being filmed there. :)
Two things about the cannon as bollard.
A cannon ball set into the mouth of the cannon is of course the reason why many of our modern made for purpose bollards have a hemi-spherical domed top,
Also oddly they use cannon in this way in Havana, but there they are set into the ground mouth down.
My list:
It's a bridge
Yup that's it. Neat learning more about it thigh.
You missed that it is in Southwark....
C'est un ponttttt
Is it in Southwark or does it go to Southwark....?
when William the conqueror came to take London, his army attempted to cross at southwark, but met resistance, so marched around the thames and came in from the north. he also started the white tower (main bit of tower of london) near the crossing as he wanted to overlook that crossing, but at that time, the tower was on the very edge of london, and right next to the thames, so he could defend from the east and the thames from there.
This bridge is the nearest that trams would go near the city of London they used to terminate on bridge until they were withdrawn in July 1952
Please do a history of Shad Thames video! It's imo the coolest street in London with all its bridges, and you can still feel the atmosphere of what it used to be when you stand under them 😄
I 2nd this. Bermondsey station to Clink Street via St saviors dock/Shad Thames would be great
Yesss! I used to work around the corner from there. I love it.
The boat trip people say it’s the least used bridge because one was streets make it difficult to get to. Taxi drivers like it though.
Great little video. Interesting, informative and nicely produced. Thank you for posting.
You missed my favourite bit of Graffiti, which is in the tunnel, on the south bank side. Someone years ago added stickers that look very real alongside a bridge drawing in the style of the other descriptions in the tunnel.
It reads: "Unimpressed with the selection of flat-pack bridges offered, a design from the Argos catalogue was chosen via a public vote in the Spring of 1757. Upon the bridge's arrival, the instruction booklet was lost immediately by head surveyor Robert Mylne" - I think it's referring to the red pillars nearby :)
Love it 🙌
Fun fact: Southwark bridge is in London.
Fascinating
Part of the reason for southwark bridge being the least used is probably TFL.
Before the cycleway was built, there was room for 3 lanes of traffic (and to turn around a 12m coach on the bridge).
Since the cycle way has been built the motorised traffic has been reduced to a single lane each way and the traffic light phasing changed so that fewer vehicles seem to get through at each change leading to long queues and 5+ minutes to cross the bridge northbound.
With other bridges, the increase in cycle flow had not been met with such a decrease in other traffic flow, hence it is lower used.
Your videos do justice to beautiful city London
Abdul Musawwir but its what London is all about. Historic bridges that are landmarks.
Very interesting... will have a better look since touristing in the area
Southwark Bridge is difficult to find if you’re approaching it from south of the river. It also lost some of its usefulness when Queen Street was blocked to motor traffic.
Indeed. I think I said something about the way motor (but not cycling) traffic is blocked to the north, but it didn't make the final cut.
@@Londonistvids If it connected through to Cannon Street it would see a lot more traffic. I only use the bridge on my bicycle for that reason.
Ofcom are in the bow fronted building on the south bank adjacent to the bridge. Now called Riverside House it used to have a different name before it was modernised.
I always used to use it when crossing from
south to north in a car as it had the least traffic.
I was surprised there was no mention of Pepys stairs as I was informed on a guided tour that these were next to Southwark
Bridge. They were just Waterman’s stairs, but the close proximity of Samuel Pepys residence provides them with the name.
I don't even live in London... THUMBS UP
I seem to remember some kind of lion statue on Southwark Bridge back in my '70's childhood. I either walked across it or went on some kind of school trip back then. It's about the only London bridge I've never driven across.
Awesome, I enjoyed that.
Proper good stuff...
As a lover and inhabitant of London for 70 years I know it goes from the North side of the Thames to the South and back again from somewhere to somewhere else. I feel quite ashamed.
The footbridge at Isleworth lock has a very similar colour scheme to Southwark Bridge.
me: writes nothing down 😅
🤣🤣🤣🤣
This Bridge was also known as the over lit bridge, and constantly complained about. The line of three gas mantle lights were known to disturb the goings on around the SouthBank at night and was not very popular as a result. It was indeed the brightest spot on the Thames at night. It’s also known for the many movies that have used it as a backdrop, because as the bridge that goes nowhere it is easily blocked off for filming.
There's also "Feast on the Bridge" where they close the bridge to traffic and line it with tables and food stalls. I went to it one year, very cool. Not sure if they still do it
The colouring seems similar to that of the 4711 Eau de Cologne brand as well as some of its buildings in Cologne (e.g. today's "Barthonia Forum" on Venloer Straße in Ehrenfeld). I quite like this colour scheme actually
Rafael Sabbat Barthonia Forum has a more muted yellow though.
My list started with ‘Only one person has made a video of Southwark Bridge.’ And my second point was that ‘I don’t think Prince Andrew will be making a video about Southwark Bridge any time soon.’ That’s about all that came to mind.
Southwark Bridge is also home to Ofcom, Financial Times, and formerly the CPS and the Health and Safety Executive .
It is part of the bridge run challange for flight simulator, you have to fly under all the bridges of London in one pass.
Southwark Bridge is namedropped in Mary Poppins as having “a spot *very* popular with jumpers...”
southwark bridge is in adelaide sa built before the london one its also a brand of bitter beer.
Wasn’t there a scene in the Only fools and horses episode Time on our hands which was filmed nearby the bridge which shows Rodney and Cassandra waving to Albert on a boat he crashes (obviously) from there new home they move into after becoming rich
Southwark Bridge:
It’s a bridge
So why did they replace the old bridge?
Yes I felt this important fact was missing!
Guessing cast iron + salt water river = corrosion.
@@joermnyc Don't guess then. There's plenty of iron bridges around the world. The real reason is hard to track down though, and seems to have been demolished around the start of World War I, because it was too narrow for modern traffic. The new bridge was finally opened after the war in 1921.
I’m moving to London from the US in Augusta 2020 and I love learning little secrets about the city!
The cast iron Ross Fountain in Princes Street, Edinburgh has a similar turquoise and gold colour scheme. It too looks minging.
Hey now, the bridge itself is very handsome, it just has a munter of a paint scheme.
Its a least used bridge as tourist keep asking 'where's south wark bridge??'
The 344 passes southbound on the bridge the only bus route
It was a toll-road originally, that's why the traffic didn't use it as much because nobody wanted to pay to cross.
If you see any pedestrians on top of it you can assume that they are lost.
Big difference in from the Napoleonic era or Victorian. Around 100 years.
Graham Crichton erm... Waterloo was the last great Napoleonic battle in 1815, Victoria became queen in 1837. So, 22 years.
Napoleonic era ends 1815 at the battle of Waterloo. Victorian era starts...1837 ....22 years
@@postie10111 22 years between the two periods, which wasn't the issue.
In the early 90's when them Irish were running car bombs are , I had to remove a Renault 5 from the middle of the bridge at one of the first ever Ring of Steel stop and checks . It was believed he was aiming for the Guildhall which was possible before they fully enforced the Stop and check on entry to the City of London. Did I miss why the bridge is that colour ? Or the plaque to honour the Marchioness just under that bridge .
China also has a London Bridge also built by the Tartarian empire
I am wondering how we leave a photo of our list in the comments ...
Wish we could
@@dorthusiast Ha, good point. I guess I just assumed that CZcams comments could include images like on every other social network. You learn something new everyday.
Londonist Ltd Do a (very) short CZcams video and link to it in the comments?
It's a good thing we can't actually, it would be even more difficult to read the comments!
It was not mentioned why Southwark Bridge is painted that colour, might it have anything to do with the Diocese of Southwark, the Cathedral is close to the bridge.
Why was the first bridge demolished? was it unsafe or something?
It's not a busy bridge... Until blackfriars underpass is closed.
1 it's a bridge
2 it's the highlight of my commute
"Secrets" aka "a quick google"
List of southwark bridge facts
One of only two bridges that are in line with a church (wobbly bridge being the other)
Worst architectural approach of any London bridge (FT + Offcom monstrosities on the south side and the mistake better know as the Thames exchange on the other)
Only bridge with a T junction on the north bank
Over looks the little ship club which is a naval sailing club that sails from Portsmouth (yes wth is there HQ next to southwark bridge)
Used to over look two docks. No idea what they are called
Only bridge over london (I think) with covered alcoves
Maybe the shortest car loading bridge crossing the Thames in central London
Only bridge with a concrete divide between the bike lane and car lane which pre-dates any terror attack
Only bridge with pedestrian underpasses on both sides of the bridge
That's it for now
I’ve been across it. That’s all I know about it.
It's a bridge over the river thames and you talk about it.... That's about it
How can 200 years be ancient. 🙄
Why was the 1st bridge replaced?
Martin most likely too narrow or not strong enough to cope with larger volumes of heavier vehicles that came about in the early twentieth century with horse drawn traffic being superseded by engine driven vehicles.
👍
Transpontine. Is that a made up nickname. Southwark Bridge is quite a unique bridge in Central London. Nice one Londonist.
I don't know anything about Suffolk Bridge but I'm going to ticket guests it's not in Suffolk but it's called Suffolk Bridge
It's in London. That's all I have
I believe it's the strongest London bridge in terms of weight carrying capacity...
The tunnel and tiling and bridge I'm very fond of but its odd having the word Southwark without it being covered in graffiti like most things are in Southwark.
I got the least used.
I'm American. I'm guessing Southwark Bridge (don't expect most Yanks to say it right) connects Southwark to London north of the Thames (we're better at saying this one despite your weird spelling). It must be convenient to Southwark Cathedral and whatever else there may be to visit in that borough.
It’s in Southwark?
The Tartarian empire built it
Well...
I know it's a bridge
Same. I also know it's a bridge over Thames
Duke In Southwark
Far less motor traffic than the others ?!!!? Poxy bike lane at the north end it’s chaos during the day
Itssss, a Bridge?
Yooooooo
It’s a bridge
And guess what, I’m early to a video that I don’t even need to know about
What I know: Does this bridge even exist?
It’s a bridge.
and im early again
BlueGuest222 no one really cares
At least write something worth reading... :-/
You can't leave photographs in comments you plum
Ever heard of imgur or any other image sharing site? Are you completely computer illiterate?
I know nothing about southwark bridge
Happy Thanksgiving folks!!
Tim Daugherty happing thanksgiving to you to!
no why no no no no
Londonist Ltd: "Secrets of Southwark Bridge"
Tourists: "OH MY GOD WHO, THE HELL CARES?!"
I don't even know how to pronounce it
I'm sorry "Suthic" is it?
"suthurk" 😉
It is bridge
British people are now a minority in London. ☹️
Dallas?
No
Geoff marshal bring him back or no veiws
MarioOdigbo-GamingAndMore he has his own channel
Geoff is a trains man. He doesn't bother with bridges.
@@Andrewjg_89 yh I know he does but it's just a bit dad that geoff did so much on dis channel and hes barely here now