1819 King's College Bridge

Until the last rebuilding, the location of King's bridge was some 45 yards North of its current position, on an axis with the centre of the Gibbs Building. The first bridge was constructed sometime before 1472 and rebuilt several times. The last one in the original position was built in 1627 by George Thompson. That bridge survived until 1818 when it was decided to build a new one to the South

The present bridge was designed by William Wilkins and built by Francis Braidwood in 1819-20, a few weeks before his major works on the King's Parade front of the College. Pevsner notes that it is elegant.

Pevsner also enlightens us on the reason for the bridge's relocation. It was part of a scheme to landscape the Backs of King's. As you approach the bridge from the back gate, you are lead down a winding tree-lined avenue. It is only immediately before reaching the bridge that you are encounter the full glory of Clare and King's Colleges from the Backs. According to Pevsner it was intended to have the element of surprise that was so important to picturesque theory and practice.

Storylines using this article

Bridges over the Cam [prev] [next]