About Blackfriars Bridge

Great Public Space: Blackfriars Bridge

Location: London, Ontario

What do you see in this space? How do people in the community enjoy it?:

  • Erected in 1875
  • The bridge spans the north branch of the Thames River, connecting Ridout Street to Blackfriars Street in London, ON
  • Provides pedestrians and cyclists a safe pass across the Thames River
  • There is a growing movement around the Blackfriars Bridge working to ensure its preservation as it ages

Historic and Heritage Features:

  • The Blackfriars Bridge was manufactured by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio, although erected by local London contractor Isaac Crouse. The bridge is the successor to a series of fixed, wooden structures at the site since 1831.
  • The Blackfriars bridge has been featured in various artistic works, visual and literary, including a series of stained glass windows by Ted Goodden.
  • It was designated as a Heritage Structure under the Ontario Heritage Act (Part IV) on April 21, 1992.
  • It is listed on the Ontario Heritage Bridge List and is included on the Canadian Register of Historic Places

Memorable and Unique Characteristic(s):

  • The bridge boasts a wrought iron, bowstring truss/tied arch bridge design
  • At 216 feet (65.8 meters) it is the longest working span of that kind of bridge in North America.

Development:

  • The bridge recently underwent an environmental assessment study” – to determine its future, assuming it has one.
  • As of August 2016 the bridge remains closed to vehicles.
  • Details on the Blackfriars Bridge development can be found here: https://sites.google.com/a/dillon.ca/blackfriars-bridge/home

Submitted by: Lincoln McCardle

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlWDxKU8Qdk

Map: http://ow.ly/xhRn303kzsg