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The Thames next passes under Walton Bridge (headroom 18’3"). This was an ugly temporary structure which was replaced by a new design, built by Surrey County Council.
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Artist's impression of the new Walton Bridge
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Old Walton Bridge demolished recently |
There is a small footbridge at Sunbury on Thames, after which the Thames meanders down to Hampton which the famous Hampton Court Bridge (headroom 19’5") crosses the river. The first bridge on this site was built as long ago as 1750. The present bridge was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and faced in red brick and Portland stone to blend in with the architecture of nearby Hampton Court Palace.
Hampton Court Bridge
After Hampton the Thames reaches Kingston (so called because it was the "King’s Town" and the site where seven Saxon Kings were crowned. Once again there has been a bridge on the site here for over 800 years, and the remains of the one which existed in King John’s reign (AD 1199) are still visible in the John Lewis store which stands next to the present Kingston Bridge (headroom 23’11"). This was designed by Edward Lapidge and built in AD 1825.
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| Hampton Court Bridge |
The graceful arches of Kingston Bridge - photo courtesy DB |
Kingston Railway Bridge (headroom 22’4"), first built in 1860 and replaced in 1907, is the next bridge to cross the Thames. Finally on this stretch we reach Teddington. A footbridge (headroom 18’4") carries the Thames Path across the river here.
Teddington Lock footbridge.
The name "Teddington" has two recorded derivations. One derives from "Tide End Town" because this is the limit of the reach of the tides which flow upriver from Southend and the North Sea.The other possible derivation is from the Anglo-Saxon "Tun" meaning settlement and someone called "Tuda". Take your pick!
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