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.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

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.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories London Bridge Series, it is the turn of Barnes Railway Bridge. The Bridge is also a pedestrian bridge which over the decades has carried members of bands like The Beatles, Queen and The Rolling Stones across the Thames to record some of their biggest hits at the legendary Olympic Studios. Sadly, the glam rock star Marc Bolan also died nearby.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Uniquely the bridge serves both rail and pedestrian traffic, one of only three of the Thames's crossings to do so.
• U2 was the last band to record at The Olympic Studios.
• When the first bridge was built, Barnes was just a small village.
• There are two bridges on the site. Danny explains why the old bridge was never demolished.

BEST MOMENTS

“The tree has since become a shrine, and for years, fans would leave tributes beside it.”

“Both Barnes and Richmond bridges were very similar looking, designed by the same team.”

“Many residents have no idea that Barnes railway bridge is something of an optical illusion being two completely separate bridges.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk

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.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction, and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Hammersmith Bridge, one of London´s more colourful and impressive bridges. Despite being London´s weakest bridge it has not been rebuilt, since 1887. Danny explains why the riverside beneath it is prone to flooding and why keeping it from falling to pieces requires a staggering amount of maintenance. He also busts several urban myths about the bridge, including one that connects it to Harrods.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled, and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• At the time it was built it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
• The bridge was a target for different factions of the IRA on 3 occasions.
• Currently, the bridge is closed to road traffic.
• The origins of the name Hammersmith is debated and remains a mystery.

BEST MOMENTS

“Hammersmith Bridge is seemingly closed more often than it is open, a continuing thorn in the side of motorists and pedestrians alike.”

“Tierney Clark would later go on to design the Széchenyi Chain Bridge across the Danube in Budapest. .”

“Unlike most of the Thames bridges, its owners made a profit selling it, as well as on the tolls.”

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.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction, and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

For this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, you get two bridges for the price of one as Danny shares the intriguing history of both Fulham Railway Bridge and Putney Bridge. The story includes the boat race, numerous name changes, Isambard Kingdom Brunel´s assistant, William Jacomb, Fredrick Simms, Gottleib Daimler, Shelley, The Omen and busting several urban legends.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Putney Bridge was the second bridge to be built in London and was originally called Fulham Bridge.
• The original Putney Bridge had 26 arches.
• Mary Wollstonecraft attempted suicide on the bridge.
• Nearby Putney Heath was a popular spot for duelling, including one that involved a prime minister.
• Craven Cottage is the only football stadium to be located on the Thames.

BEST MOMENTS

“One of only three combined pedestrian and railway bridges in London.”

“The ferryman either didn´t hear him or pretended not to.”

“Putney Bridge is the only bridge in the UK to have churches at either end..”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk

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.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction, and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, it is the turn of Wandsworth Bridge. Something that sounds like a bit of a dry subject, but don´t worry Danny has found some surprisingly interesting things to say about it. Including, where its name and colour scheme comes from came from, why it is Putney Bridge's poorer cousin and its connection to A Clockwork Orange.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Eight of London´s bridges fall within the boundaries of Wandsworth.
• It was one of the last toll bridges to be built in London.
• A nearby manor house, now demolished, was once called the "Jew's House".
• The bridge marks the point where the speed limit on The Thames changes.

BEST MOMENTS

“The unimpressive-looking Wandsworth bridge is probably the most boring bridge of all.”

“A large roundabout … very much a product of its time, like many other concrete crop circles that appeared during the 60s.”

“There were helicopters taking off and landing at all hours.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk

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.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction, and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he shares the details of one of London´s lesser-known bridges – Battersea Railway Bridge, which confusingly is also known by two other names. Even more confusing is the naming of all of the stations the railway takes you to, it´s like the Twilight Zone. Fortunately, Danny unpicks it all and reveals the area´s connection with hot air balloons, tightrope walkers, ladies of the night and Whistler.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled, and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Battersea Railway Bridge is also known as the Cremorne Bridge. Danny explains why in the episode.
• It was the first London Bridge to be built in wrought iron.
• It is the only bridge that doesn't cross the Thames at right angles.
• There are two train speed limits on the bridge.
• Having never been replaced, this is the oldest original bridge in Central London.

BEST MOMENTS

“It´s the only railway bridge across The Thames that runs to multiple destinations.”

“Mind you, if it was called Harlesden Junction, nobody would want to get off there.”

“The bridge was damaged in the early 1990s and then again in 2003.”

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.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction, and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Battersea Bridge. A bridge that many argue is located in the wrong place, to the point where Londonist.com describes it as – “The equivalent of a zebra crossing on a hairpin bend.” A lot of river users crash into it.

Danny explains how it ended up being built there and shares its connection between the sewage system, Princess Diana’s family, a whale, Richard III and why the bridge is considered unlucky.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It is London´s narrowest road bridge and has claimed the lives of many cyclists.
• It was the 1st bridge to be lit at night.
• After one accident only the tram lines were left holding the bridge together.
• The only medieval city merchant´s house is located nearby.

BEST MOMENTS

“Despite the accidents and casualties, this bridge was something of a muse to several artists.”

“Calls for its demolition were loud.”

“Cycling across it is not advised.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://londonist.com/2015/07/battersea-bridge-125-years-of-collisions

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.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction, and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

In this episode, of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories London Bridge Series, he shares the fascinating history of Albert Bridge, which, when it first opened was known as “The Trembling Lady.” Danny explains why that was, why it looks like a fairground ride and shares its connection to The Pogues, John Betjeman and A Clockwork Orange. He also shares why the area is bristling with blue plaques and memorials.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled, and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• There is still a sign on Albert Bridge telling troops to break step when marching over it.
• Only 11 years after opening the bridge had to be reinforced.
• For decades, the bridge was only one-way.
• The number of dogs crossing the bridge each day is causing it to rot.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Albert Bridge suffered from a phenomenon known as vertical excitation ´

‘Twelve layers of paint had to be stripped back.’

‘Making the bridge a hybrid of suspension cable-stayed and now also a beam bridge.’

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk/

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.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…