Virtual Walk to Nowhere: In Search of Old London Bridge

Virtual Walk to Nowhere: In Search of Old London Bridge

SPAB London Group

Date: 
01/07/2021 - 01/07/2021
Location: 
Virtual event: held online
United Kingdom
Price: 

Free (donations welcome)

Event details

Thu, 1 July 2021, 18:30 – 20:00

100 years ago, during the construction of Adelaide House, an arch of old London bridge was found. The find caused great excitement and the SPAB, under its great Secretary, A R Powys, sought valiantly but unsuccessfully to preserve the remains. The developer offered to retain them, but required £10,000.

The ensuing struggle linked some apparently strange bedfellows. SPAB was supported by the London Society, the Concrete Institute, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, but the Government refused to help, the City authorities declined to provide any funds, and most disappointingly the President of the Antiquaries wrote to the Times urging people not to contribute to the appeal.)

With the demolition of the arch, it seemed that the traces of the medieval bridge had been lost, but new research has suggested that the north abutment of the medieval bridge may well survive under the churchyard of St Magnus the Martyr.

As a result, SPAB London Group commissioned Dr Kevin Blockley to undertake a detailed desk-based assessment of the site and to suggest a methodology for a research excavation. Those findings will be the topic of this virtual Walk to Nowhere.

As always, these events are free, but if you feel you can make a contribution, it would be gratefully received and helps to fund more exciting work like this!

If you are watching along with members of your household, please only book one ticket. The number of attendees is limited, so please leave spaces open for as many people as possible to join in.

Bookings for this event are via eventbrite. Clicking the book now button will take you to eventbrite, where you can complete your registration.

 

About the London Group
The SPAB London group was formed in 2015 and it brings together over 1,000 SPAB members living or working in the metropolitan area. London’s diversity of built heritage gives members the opportunity to share knowledge of historic buildings, conservation projects and craft skills. The SPAB London group offers visits to see conservation works on historic buildings, lectures, concerts and its monthly Walks to Nowhere, guided walking tours discovering London’s many distinctive neighbourhoods and ending at an historic pub. Recent walks traversed Bloomsbury, Smithfield and Borough.

 

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

Getting here