In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series it is the turn of Chiswick Bridge, one of London´s newest bridges. Listen in to learn about its connection with the Oxford Cambridge University boat race, the philanthropist Quinton Hawk and two other bridges further along the Thames. As well as why and how it was constructed and the role the railway had in the growth of the areas the bridge serves.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Chiswick bridge was built between 1930 and 1933 around the same time as Twickenham Bridge. Hampton Court Bridge was also reconstructed at the same time.

• All 3 bridges were opened on the same day.

• The Prince of Wales (soon to be Edward VIII) was roundly criticised by the press and public for how he did it.

• Hammersmith and Barnes Bridges are not strong or safe enough to allow boat race spectators to use them.

• The bridge is faced in self-cleaning Portland Stone.

• Only three of the bridge´s five spans cross the Thames, the ones either side cross the former tow paths.

BEST MOMENTS

“A university boat race stone is found on the Mortlake side of the bridge.”

“An entirely new road system had to be put into place.”

“At the time of its construction, Chiswick Bridge's central span was the longest concrete span across the Thames.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk

https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/news/12032020-hammersmith-bridge-to-be-closed-for-the-boat-race-as-it-is-deemed-completely-unsafe

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

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