BRIEF HISTORY DURING THE SNOW ERA (1813-58)

Bridges in London were closely associated with the economic and social development of the city. The River Thames flows through London as a tidal waterway, bringing in fresh water when the tide is low and sea water when the tide is high.  The river serves as a major mode of transport for London's commerce and people, and is deeply intertwined with the identify of the city.  Yet until the mid-eighteenth century, only the London Bridge crossed the river.  The alternative for most people was hire boats or use public ferries.  In the ensuing century, including the 48 years of John Snow's life, the situation changed.  By the time John Snow died in 1848, London had nine bridges and one tunnel crossing the River Thames.  Some were major road thoroughfares while others were suspension bridges limited to foot traffic.  Some were funded by public money, while others had share holders as private businesses.  

London's Expansion

By 1800, London of the 1859 Reynolds map (shaded) had only four bridges (Battersea, Westminster, Blackfriars and London -- click on red ovals for details), the most east of which was the London Bridge. 

London in 1800

Three new bridges were built in the first half of the nineteenth century, but as  private investments (Vauxhall, Waterloo and Southwark -- click on yellow ovals for details).  All charged a toll of those wanting to cross.  

London in the 1830s

A tunnel and two suspension bridges were built in the 1840s and 50s before John Snow's death in 1858 (Chelsea Suspension, Hungerford Suspension and Thames Tunnel  -- click on blue ovals for details).  They along with the other bridges of John Snow's lifetime are shown in the following  map of London's population in the 1870s.  

London in the 1870s

The nine bridges and one tunnel by order of construction are presented below with the date of construction in parentheses.  Click the yellow square for details and exact locations. 

London (400)

Westminster (1750)

Blackfriars (1769)

Battersea (1772)

Vauxhall Bridge (1816, Toll)

Waterloo (1817, Toll)

Southwark (1819, Toll)

Thames Tunnel (1843, Toll)

Hungerford Suspension (1845)

Chelsea Suspension (1858, Toll)

Sources: 

Inwood S. A History of London, 1998.

Porter R. London -- A Social History, 1994.

Watson, I. Westminster and Pimplico Past, 1993.