Richmond Bridge, Stone arch bridge in Richmond, England
Richmond Bridge is a stone arch crossing over the Thames linking Richmond with East Twickenham, built with five elliptical spans of Portland stone. Each arch rests on solid piers rising from the riverbed, and the roadway curves gently across the entire width.
The crossing opened in 1777 to replace a ferry service and remained tolled until 1859. Its funding came from a private tontine scheme in which shareholders were paid from toll revenues.
The name recalls the royal connection of the borough, once a favored retreat of the court. Pedestrians today walk along the widened pavements while traffic moves slowly over the gentle arches.
The crossing carries both pedestrians and vehicles today, with pavements on both sides for safe walking. Visitors can best appreciate the full arch structure from the riverside paths on either bank.
The crossing appeared in paintings by Turner and Constable, both of whom chose the river and its structures as subjects. This artistic attention helped cement the reputation of the structure as part of the Thames landscape.
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