Chelsea Bridge

Chelsea Bridge is a bridge over the River Thames in west London. It connects Chelsea on the north bank to Battersea on the south bank.

History

There have been two Chelsea Bridges, on the site of what was an ancient crossing.

The first Chelsea Bridge was called Victoria Bridge. It opened in 1857.

The old bridge was replaced by the current one in 1937.

In June 2012, the bridge was highlighted on the route of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.^[1]

Chelsea and Battersea in 1891, showing (left to right) Old Battersea Bridge, Albert Bridge, Victoria (now Chelsea) Bridge and Grosvenor Railway Bridge.
The first Chelsea Bridge as seen from Battersea in 1858, shortly after opening. The Victoria Tower of the Palace of Westminster is shown under construction in the background.
The famous Celtic shield found at Battersea.
Battersea (top), Victoria (centre) and Vauxhall (bottom) bridges, 1859
Chelsea Bridge traffic.jpg

With four lanes of traffic, the new bridge's roadway is much wider than that of its predecessor.
Chelsea Bridge 2.JPG

Being self-anchored, the bridge uniquely in London has no anchoring abutments.
Chelsea Bridge cable.JPG

As a self-anchored bridge, the suspension cables attach directly to the deck and do not extend to the ground.
Chelsea Bridge crest.JPG

Coat of arms of the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea on a Chelsea Bridge lamp post
Chelsea Bridge's illuminations
Battersea Footbridge.JPG

Battersea footbridge curves beneath Chelsea Bridge.

↑ Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, Key facts Archived 2012-06-05 at the Wayback Machine; Londontown.com, "Thames Jubilee Pageant,". Retrieved 2012-6-4. Archived 2012-06-05 at the Wayback Machine