Precious archives relating to some of London’s most famous bridges are set to go on public display – many for the first time.
Ancient charters and documents, historic plans, intriguing images and video footage will be on view at The London Archives, in Clerkenwell, on Friday, October 11.
The items on display form part of a vast collection amassed by 900-year-old charity City Bridge Foundation – custodian of Tower, London, Southwark, Millennium and Blackfriars bridges.
Giles Shilson, City Bridge Foundation chairman, said: “As a very old charity, we have a lot of history behind us, much of which has remained hidden from view for many years.
“There are several thousand items in our archives so we can only showcase a small selection, but it will offer people a tantalising glimpse of some rarely seen items relating to our bridges and the vital role they’ve played in the life of the capital.
“Seeing the breadth of material in the collection is a reminder of the role our historic charity has played over 900 years and how important our work connecting Londoners and supporting communities will be for many years to come.”
Archivists at The London Archives are currently working with City Bridge Foundation to collect and consolidate a definitive record of the historic charity, bringing together in one place records previously held in various locations due to its complex history and governance.
Items on display include the foundation’s original Royal Charter, from 1282, in which King Edward I confers on the City of London various properties and rents deriving from them ‘to them and to their heirs for ever, for the support of the… Bridge’.
Also viewable will be a volume of Bridgemasters’ Annual Accounts and Rental, 1484-1509; contract drawings for the reconstruction of Southwark Bridge from 1912 and a rarely seen 1968 educational film about Tower Bridge which was shown in schools.
Natasha Luck, senior archivist at The London Archives, said: “These sessions will give people the chance to explore the rich collection of bridge-related items dating back to the late 12th century.
“Whether you’re new to archives and curious to see what we hold, or an experienced researcher who wants to learn more, this is a chance to browse some really fascinating items at your own pace and put your questions to our staff.”
Archives On Show: The City of London’s Bridges will run on Friday October 11 2024. Three one-hour sessions are scheduled for 11am, noon and 2pm.
Entry is free but places must be booked in advance at https://tinyurl.com/d5zkx9vm
