Teddington Lock Footbridges facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Teddington Lock Footbridge (West) |
|
|---|---|
The western suspension bridge
|
|
| Coordinates | 51°25′51″N 0°19′18″W / 51.43083°N 0.32167°W |
| Carries | Footpath |
| Crosses | River Thames |
| Locale | Teddington |
| Maintained by | Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council |
| Heritage status | Grade II listed structure |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Suspension |
| Material | Iron |
| History | |
| Designer | G. Pooley |
| Opened | 1889 |
| Teddington Lock Footbridge (East) | |
|---|---|
The eastern girder bridge
|
|
| Coordinates | 51°25′51″N 0°19′19″W / 51.43083°N 0.32194°W |
| Carries | Footpath |
| Crosses | River Thames |
| Locale | Ham |
| Maintained by | Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council |
| Heritage status | Grade II listed structure |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Truss bridge |
| Material | Iron |
| Height | 18 feet 4 inches (5.59 m) |
| History | |
| Designer | G. Pooley |
| Opened | 1889 |
| Designations | |
|---|---|
|
Listed Building – Grade II
|
|
| Official name | Teddington Lock Footbridges |
| Designated | 3 October 2005 |
| Reference no. | 1391392 |
The Teddington Lock Footbridges are two cool bridges that help people walk over the River Thames in England. They are located near Teddington Lock in Teddington. There's a small island right between the two bridges!
Contents
Exploring the Teddington Lock Footbridges
Two Bridges, One Path
These bridges are special because there are actually two of them, connected by a small island. They let people cross the River Thames easily. One bridge goes from Teddington to the island. The other goes from the island to Ham on the Surrey side.
Building the Bridges
The Teddington Lock Footbridges were built a long time ago, between 1887 and 1889. Local people and businesses gave money to build them. Before these bridges, people used a ferry to cross the river here. That's why there's a street nearby called Ferry Road!
Different Bridge Designs
The two bridges have different designs:
- The western bridge is a suspension bridge. This means it hangs from strong cables. It crosses the part of the river where the weir is. A weir is like a small dam that controls water flow.
- The eastern bridge is an iron girder bridge. This type of bridge uses strong beams (girders) to support the path. It crosses the lock cut, which is a channel for boats to go through the lock.
Making Them Easier to Use
In recent years, wooden ramps have been added to the bridges. These ramps make it much easier for people with bikes or pushchairs to cross. They help avoid the steps that used to be there.
The Thames Path
The bridges are also part of the Thames Path. This is a long walking trail that follows the River Thames. Downstream from these bridges, the path runs on both sides of the river. Upstream, it only runs on the Surrey side.
A Historic Landmark
Both of these footbridges are considered Grade II listed structures. This means they are important historic buildings that need to be protected. They are recognized for their special design and history.
