Blackfriars Bridges, London

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The River Thames in London is famous for the many bridges that spawn over it. We've all probably heard of the nursery rhyme ๐ŸŽถ

London Bridge is falling down
Falling down, falling down
London Bridge is falling down
My fair lady

Today I want to take you to see, not London Bridge, but another bridge called Blackfriars Bridge.
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With London being an ever evolving city, whether it's the Dickensian or Victorian or modern days, its landscape is forever changing. So is Blackfriars Bridge. Blackfriars Bridge was the third bridge built across the River Thames and opened in 1769. That was replaced by another bridge a century later in 1869 and is still standing today. The building behind the Blackfriars Bridge is St Pauls Cathedral, one of the most famous landmarks on London. Today the 150 year old Blackfriars Bridge looks a bit tired after all these years. It could probably do with a bit of sprucing up. Despite that, it still looks very grand and you can see 3 of its 5 iron arches that support the Grade II listed bridge.
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In addition to the Blackfriars Bridge for vehicles and pedestrians, there's also the Blackfriars Railway Bridge. They're two different bridges. The first Blackfriars Railway Bridge opened in 1864, 5 years before the second Blackfriars Bridge (confusing, I know). And then in 1886 a second Blackfriars Railway Bridge was built next to the first one (more confusion, right?). Maybe this image will help. So starting from the right, you can see the the sides of the 1869 Blackfriars Bridge. To its left, you'll see three pairs of red pillars rising from the Thames river bed. These are the remaints of the first 1864 Blackfriars Railway Bridge. When the bridge was pulled down,they left the pillars behind, I mean they do look very grand. So grand that even they are listed now. And finally on the left is the second 1886 Blackfriars Railway Bridge. You're probably thinking this looks more like a building than a bridge?
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That's because this bridge is part of the Blackfriars Railway station that was redeveloped and re opened in 2012. Another proof of how London evolves over time. This swanky modern station spans across the entire River Thames, a first in London. As you go up the escalator from the station concourse to the platform, you're immediately taken back by the massive area in front of the gates. With the entire width of the River Thames available, they can afford to have as much space as possible. In fact, I reckon this would be great place to hold a mini lunchtime concert.
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Once through the gates, you're onto the railway platform. This is probably the longest railway platforms I've ever seen. These are 12 carriage trains and there is still so much length left.
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Both sides of the platform have full width windows looking out to the River Thames, and here you can see the Blackfriars Bridge outside. I believe this is the only covered bridge across the River Thames, hence may feel a little squashed inside as the ceiling height isn't in proportion to the width and depth of the platform. I mean obviously, you can't build a skyscraper across the Thames as it would look so out of place and obstruct the view for the rest of the bridges.

A skyscraper it may not be, but the Blackfriars railway bridge can make its claim to be the largest solar power bridge in the world. Its ceiling is covered with 4,400 photovoltaic panels, that's around 23 tennis courts and can provide 50% of the energy the station requires. Clever, right?
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Last and not the least, I'm going t leave you with these two images. As I was walking along the length of the platform, a couple of the carriage had this graffiti on it. They look rather random and I don't think they're purposed made by the railway company.... or maybe they were. I really don't know. It's the first time I've seen graffiti on train carriages in use and they look wickedly cool, just like this station and how London evolves as a city.
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You can checkout all my travel post on the Pinmapple here or click on Mr Pinmapple below



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34 comments
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Wow! I will be here one day ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜

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Thats so clever they use solar panel to function the building. 50% power for the big station like that is no kidding. Kudos to a team who designed it.

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That's a cool bridge! Great photo of it with the blue sky and clouds. Nice one.

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Actually the first photo of the bridge with St Pauls Cathedral in the background is from 2009 as I didn't get a full view photo this time round. If you notice the cranes there, that's when they're building the new station

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This is the first time Iโ€™ve heard or even seen this bridge... They had us singing London bridge is falling down as kids... so itโ€™s quite popular

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There's well over 200 bridges across the River Thames as it's so long, but the ones in central London all have their own history and story, but of course London Bridge being the most famous!

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I like the post as well as the photos. It is interesting how that bridge survived for so long after its change. London contains a lot of beautiful things. I would love to come to London sometime. I guess one day I will make that dream come true.

Great post, thank you for sharing it with us :D

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Nice write up - I don't go that way often as I tend to stick around North London (especially since the pandemic). But when I do take the train over the Blackfiars train bridge I love it. It's an absolutely epic train journey!

!PIZZA

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Thanks! It's only recently I've gone over Blackfriars and the first time I actually got off the station. S much history around the area, I'd like to explore more as well whilst I'm in London

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The blends of architect looks so cool.
( I never been to a foreign land but I am familiar to River Thames as it used to be one of the river to be located on the map sheet handed out on 10th grade exams๐Ÿ˜„)
Thats a massive solar power function, quite clever. But isn't the northern hemisphere real cold during the winter?So, a well-fit for summer? Idk
While, I am graffiti fan, I perceived it to be vandalization in such places. Quite cool to see the acceptance.
Thank you for taking us in a great journey together. ๐Ÿ’ซ

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Ha ha! Good to know London is so well known around the world!!

Graffiti is pretty acceptable in UK and they always seem go hand in hand with the railway network, we always see lots of them near the stations and depots. But it's the first time I've seen them on trains in service.

Glad you enjoyed this piece.

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Haha. Indeed it is.
Thats pretty much interesting. Here, any graffiti in public(gov) location are immediately thrown away.
Felt great to go through blog. My pleasure.

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Certainly some interesting bridges! I love visiting train stations and seeing the different things that they do to design them. When we used to live in Boston they were completely rebuilding the major train stop at Government Center and it was going to be a hell of a place. We haven't been back there since, since we no longer lived in the city but one day I'm hoping we can take a trip back to check it out.

We loved the giant train terminals in Italy. The Termini station in Rome was fantastic, giant and full of all kinds of cool architecture and stuff! I think it would be pretty cool to see this and other ones in London, though we've never been there ourselves. Doubt we will be going any time soon lol

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UK has a lot of really nice railway stations that were built in the Victorian days, and have bags of characters, you really must come over to see theme sometime!!

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England is definitely one of the places thatโ€™s on the list of places we would like to go! Hopefully we can make it over there one day thatโ€™s for sure!

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Your article is amazing, each bridge has a rich history. The last pictures are so unique, I think someone drew them to look cool.

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Love your photos. We have few trains that have graffiti on them. I actually really like that because it's so colourful. UK is definitely on my visit list. I can't wait for that. Thanks for sharing this interesting post. ๐Ÿ˜Š

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Hi @livinguktaiwan great post and explanation about this wonderful city. Now, i can see more things, why is this city such a great place.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Maya

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You're welcome Maya, London certainly has a lot to offer, I'm truly grateful to be living here!

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