Mathematical Bridge
Mathematical Bridge, Wooden footbridge at Queens' College, Cambridge, England.
The Mathematical Bridge is a wooden footbridge over the River Cam connecting two parts of Queens' College in Cambridge and listed as a Grade II protected structure. The construction consists of straight beams arranged in a truss system that together form an arch shape without using curved components.
William Etheridge designed the first version in 1749 to connect the two riverside parts of the college. The current structure dates from a complete renewal in 1905, when teak replaced the original oak timber.
The name suggests a purely mathematical theory, though the bridge was built using eighteenth-century carpentry principles without requiring formulas for planning. Students and visitors examine the visible timber joints, which show how craftsmen worked without modern calculations yet created lasting constructions.
Access is through the main entrance of Queens' College on Queens' Lane, with entry often depending on college visiting hours. Guided tours offer a chance to view the construction closely, as the bridge sits within the college grounds.
A legend claims Isaac Newton designed the bridge without metal fasteners, though he had died before its construction. The story spread nonetheless and is sometimes told to visitors asking about the famous physicist, whose connection to the city is widely known.
Location: Cambridge
Inception: 1749
Length: 12 m
Made from material: wood
GPS coordinates: 52.20220,0.11504
Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:20
Queens' College
22 m
Newnham Grange
168 m
Silver Street Bridge
54 m
Queens' College Chapel
99 m
The Mill, Cambridge
113 m
King's College, South Range of Webb's Court with Gateway to Queen's Lane
162 mKing's College, Bodley's Buildings
130 m
St Catharine's College, The Buildings Surrounding Principal Court
120 m
Cambridge University Centre
145 m
The Mill The Mill Bridge And Paved Surround
103 m
Darwin College, The Old Granary
125 m
Screen And Gates Of Master's Lodge Fronting Queen's Lane, St Catharine's College
96 m
Mill Haven, East House
128 mDarwin College, East Wing Of Newnham Grange
160 m
Richardson Candle Street Lamp On The South-East Corner Of Silver Street.
171 m
70 Trumpington Street
170 m
Mill Haven, West House
119 m
Telephone Kiosks Outside Pitt Building
171 m
4, Silver Street
143 m
Boundary Wall Fronting Queen's Lane, St Catharine's College
100 m
Three Richardson Candle Wall-Mounted Lamps Attached To The North Side Of The Mill Lane Site On Silver Street.
147 mQueens' College, North And East Walls Of The President's Garden
67 m
2-4, Silver Street
157 m
1 Silver Street and 71-72 Trumpington Street
174 m
Three Richardson Candle wall-mounted lamps attached to the south side of Queens’ College, Silver Street.
36 mQueens' College, North Wall Of The Fellows' Garden
120 mQueens' College, North Boundary Wall Of The Fellows' Fruit Garden
77 mCripps
79 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes