London is world-renowned for its beautiful and historical architecture, quintessentially British atmosphere, and its patchwork of unique boroughs. Whether you’re exploring its streets by foot, on a red open-top bus, or you’re exploring its plethora of views on an exciting Thames River Cruise, there are some real gems that shouldn’t be missed and with City Cruises we take you on a journey of discovery – we have a different view and it’s waiting to be explored!

From 17th-century masterpieces to illustrious architectural icons, the capital of the UK boasts some of the world’s most stunning and visually brilliant bridges, all waiting to be explored and uncovered. In this article, we discover some of London’s most famous water landmarks and dive into the archives to uncover the hidden secrets and untold stories of London’s best bridges. Who’s ready to step back in time?

昼も夜もロンドンの橋を探検しよう

There is no better way to explore these historic and visually brilliant landmarks than on the river, and July 2019 saw the first switch-on of Illuminated River, an ambitious public art commission transforming the capital’s central bridges. “Illuminated River is the first cohesive lighting vision for the Thames bridges in central London, celebrating the structures as architectural, social and historical landmarks, and creating a symbolic link across the political, financial and cultural centres of the capital.”

プロジェクトの実現には、ロンドンのクリエイティブな才能、法的機関、地元コミュニティーのユニークなコラボレーションが関わっており、社会的、歴史的、建築的ランドマークとしてのテムズ川に架かる橋に焦点を当て、それを称えるダイナミックなパブリック・アートワークという形で、首都に永続的な遺産を残すことになる"。

このプロジェクトの一部である橋について、そしてこれらの壮大な建造物がどのようにして今日のロンドンの南北を結ぶ有名なアイコンになったのか、また川沿いのお気に入りのスポットについて、もう少し詳しく調べてみよう。

ウェストミンスター橋

建設された：1739年から1750年の間

A view made renowned by its sister property, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge links Westminster on the west to Lambeth on the east side of the water. Known for being one of the oldest surviving bridges in the city, it is also known to locals as being one of the busiest. It was built in an attempt to relieve congestion coming from the west and the south of the city and to accommodate the growing use of goods and passenger carriages as transport in the Victorian period boomed.

Now a vehicle and pedestrian bridge, it is used by millions of visitors every year and links two of the city’s most iconic symbols to one another: Big Ben and the London Eye. Remodelled in 1862, the current bridge that crosses the river was designed by Thomas Page and boasts a royal seal of approval. As well as its magnificent green colour, which mimics that of the seats in the House of Commons, it also hosts the coats of arms of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on one of its many large stone pillars. Since its opening, the bridge has taken on a number of façades, previously used in the 18^th century as a spot for vagabonds and muggers, and in the 17^th century when it became one of the most painted sights in London. The bridge also now holds a Grade II Listed rating, protecting its structure and position within the city.

ウェストミンスター・ブリッジを歩けば、ビッグ・ベンと国会議事堂の壮大な眺めを堪能でき、東側にはロンドン・アイとシーライフ・ロンドン水族館があり、下流は街の中心部に向かっている。運がよければ、大道芸人に出くわすかもしれない。2020年秋には、この印象的な橋を含むイルミネーション・リバーのインスタレーションも始まる。

ウォータールー橋

建設された：1817年に建設され、1945年に再建された。

Not as aesthetically pleasing as Westminster Bridge (we’re not biased), but with a story just as impressive. Waterloo Bridge was first built in 1817, with its name emulating the victory at the Battle of Waterloo two years prior in 1815. It was also known for being the longest bridge in London. Due to its courageous name, the local station and surrounding borough were also named Waterloo and remainthe  foundation blocks of the city to this day. At the turn of the century, the use of heavy motor vehicles grew, and the safety of the bridge became uncertain. What ensued was a 10-year political battle took place to remodel the bridge to suit carriages and motor vehicles.

ウォータールー」が議会法で承認されるまでは、ストランド橋と名付けられそうになったこの古い橋は、第二次世界大戦中の1945年に改築・再建された。1945年の再建後は、男性が戦争に出かけている間、大勢の女性労働者が工事を手伝ったことから、「レディース・ブリッジ」というニックネームで呼ばれるようになった。1939年に始まった新しい橋の建設は、人手不足と建設に必要な設備が整っていなかったため、遅々として進まなかった。

改修以来、この橋は『シャーロック』や『アルフィー』など、テレビや映画にも登場し、北はコヴェント・ガーデン、南はサウスバンク・センターといった一等地へ向かう人々を惹きつけてやまない。2020年にウォータールー・ブリッジを訪れる予定の方は、秋に完成するイルミネーション・リバー・プロジェクトに期待しよう。

ブラックフライアーズ・ブリッジ

建設された：最初の建設は1769年、再建は1869年

Situated between its sister bridges, Blackfriars Railway Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge is a traffic and pedestrian Grade II Listed bridge in the heart of London. Built in 1769, its structure is among the oldest in the city and took some 9 years to build. Named after a Dominican priory which once stood nearby, its name was changed several times before the calling we hear today.

Most well-known for its elaborate stone carvings that line the columns it stands upon, depicting birds and marine life, as well as the statue of Queen Victoria at the north side of the bridge, which has stood in the same spot since she opened the new bridge back in 1869.

It is often regarded as one of the prettiest bridges in London due to its red and cream colouring, carefully carved arches, and large and imposing columns. It lies alongside the adjacent railway bridge and the remnants of the old Blackfriars Bridge, which can be spotted by the columns that still lie in the river to this day. A wander along (or a cruise under) this impressive bridge will give you a sense of scale and a glimpse at the true beauty of this architectural masterpiece.

この鉄道橋は、今後予定されているイルミネーション・ブリッジ・プロジェクトの一部となる予定です。ブラックフライアーズ橋のイルミネーション・リバー・アートワークは、隣接するブラックフライアーズ鉄道橋と、オリジナルのブラックフライアーズ鉄道橋から残る赤い支柱を補完する配色を使用する予定だ。

ミレニアム・ブリッジ

建設：2000年

ミレニアム・ブリッジは、ミレニアムの変わり目に建設されたことにちなんで名付けられた。サザーク市議会が新しい橋のコンペを開催した後、2000年に建設されたこの橋は、技術的デザインの限界を押し広げ、今では街のランドマークとなっている。
エリザベス女王によって10日に開幕^th June 2000, the bridge had to be closed two days later, finally reopening again on 27th February 2002, a whole two years later. Its location was chosen due to its proximity to a number of the city’s busiest locations, not to mention the beautiful view of St Paul’s Cathedral that can be seen as you walk down the walkway. The Tate Modern lies on the south side of the river as well as the historic Globe Theatre, which stands proudly on the water’s edge.

Something that many people don’t know is that the bridge plays host to over 400 works of art! These tiny works of art were designed and implemented by The Chewing Gum Man, also known as Ben Wilson. Tiny scenes, shapes, and figures are painted onto pieces of dropped gum, giving the floor of this bridge a somewhat patchwork feel.
We spoke to Stu who is a London walking blogger at London Wlogger who loves exploring London’s architectural treasures, he told us a little more about Millennium Bridge: “For me London is the greatest city in the world, it encapsulates the old and new perfectly, and has something picturesque wherever you look – whether that’s its landmarks, parks or bridges, you’re never too far from something amazing to explore! One of my favourite bridges in London is its most recent one,the  Millennium Bridge! Opened in June 2000, did you know it was the first bridge to be built over the Thames for over 100 years?

“One unique aspect of the Millennium Bridge is that it has had two openings, first in 2000 and then again in 2002. On its opening day, the bridge had 80,000 people walk across it and 2,000 on it at any one time. However, on the southern and central part of the bridge, people felt it swaying, and as a result, the bridge was closed and given the nickname the ‘Wobbly Bridge’. The bridge lasted only two days and it wasn’t until February 2002 that it reopened to the public!”

この夏、ミレニアム・ブリッジに向かい、イルミネーション・リバーがキュレーションする進行中のプロジェクトの一環として、新しくライトアップされた橋を見てみよう。ミレニアム・ブリッジは、新しい照明が設置された4つの橋のうちの1つで、夜の暗闇の中でより美しく見える。

サザーク橋

建設された：最初の建設は1819年、再建は1921年

もともとクイーン・ストリート・ブリッジとして知られていたサザーク・ブリッジは、1819年に初めて建設された。オリジナルの橋はジョン・レニーによって設計され、鋳鉄で造られ、川に固定された3本の大きな柱で支えられていた。最初の橋は、第一次世界大戦中に取り壊された。その理由は、自動車の利用が増えたため、道幅を広げる必要があったからだ。

The bridge as we see it today was begun in 1912 but didn’t open to the public until after the war in 1921. Due to its historical significance in the city, the new bridge was given Grade II listed status in 1995. Walk along Southwark Bridge to the south and you’ll find the original site of Shakespeare’s Globe; head north and you’ll find the famous London Stone. On the south side, you’ll find a short walk to the Shard and Borough Market. Southwark Bridge is another of the bridges that has seen the dressing of its new lights this year as part of the summer 2019 part of the Illuminated project.

"印象派の巨匠たちの色彩からインスピレーションを得て、橋のイルミネーションは、キャノン・ストリート橋で使われている色彩を、彩度を少し上げて継承する。"イルミネーション・リバーのレポート

キャノン・ストリート鉄橋

建設された：1863年から1866年の間

The path from Cannon Street Railway Station to the expanse of London that lies beyond it, Cannon Street Railway Bridge is owned by the National Rail and has been a hub of activity since it opened in 1866. Sitting pretty between Southwark Bridge and London Bridge, the original structure was designed by Sir John Hawkshaw and has nothing to do with weaponry, as its name may suggest. It is actually named after the 17^th-century word ‘candelwrichstrete’, which translates today to ‘street of the candlemakers’.

1982年の改修以来、以前の装飾の多くは取り払われ、鋳鉄製の柱に取って代わられたが、元の橋にあった2本のレンガ造りの塔は今でも川岸で見ることができる。シティ・リバー・クルーズに飛び乗る予定があるなら、この広大な橋と、2019年夏に追加されたばかりの真新しいイルミネーションにぜひ注目してほしい。

イルミネーション・リバーは、この橋の個性を祝うための新しい照明器具だと説明している：「キャノン・ストリート橋は、テムズ川で最も古い橋のひとつであるにもかかわらず、これまで一度もライトアップされたことがありませんでした。キャノン・ストリート橋は、テムズ川で最も古い橋のひとつであるにもかかわらず、これまで一度もライトアップされたことがありませんでした。ヴィラリアルのアートワークは、見過ごされがちな橋の実用主義的な性格と記念碑的なドーリア式の柱を称え、上を通過する列車の動きを反映した繊細なキネティック・カラーを使用します」。

ロンドン・ブリッジ

建設された：1973

Not to be confused with Tower Bridge, London Bridge is one of London’s oldest bridges, with the structure standing on the site since the Roman period. There have been a number of different facades, but the current bridge was completed in 197,3 with the preceding bridge being dismantled after 600 years of service.

ロンドン橋は、チューダー朝時代には王室への反逆者の首が橋の壁に張りつけられたり、長年にわたって多くの童謡の題材になったりと、長年にわたって多くのニュースやスキャンダルで注目されてきた。1722年、以前の橋は混雑しすぎたため、「キープ・レフト」ルールが導入された。この橋がフォーマルではない一面を見せるのを見たいなら、毎年開催されるシープ・ドライブの時期に川を下ってみよう。シティー・オブ・ロンドンが毎年秋に主催するこの行事では、交通がストップし、何百頭もの羊がフリーメンに連れられて橋を渡る。

London Bridge is another of the summer installations as part of the Illuminated River project, and one that cruisers of the river can already see in all its glory. A subtle hue of pinks and oranges can be seen as you pass under its impressive concrete pillars.

タワーブリッジ

建設された：1886年から1894年の間

Of course, we saved the best till last. One of the most iconic landmarks in London and one of the best Victorian-built bridges in the world. A real architect’s dream, Tower Bridge is visited by millions every year who are looking for a glimpse at the magnificent architecture that makes this bridge so fascinating. Built between 1886 and 1894, Tower Bridge is one of the few surviving original suspension bridges in the city and opens to passing boats more than 1000 times a year, taking 61 seconds to raise its arms fully.

橋を訪れる多くの人は、水上交通が道路交通よりも優先されるため、川の上を歩くのに通常より少し時間がかかることを知らないかもしれない。以前は、1910年に利用者が少なくて閉鎖されるまで、歩行者は遅延を避けるために昇降アームの上にある高い歩道を利用していたが、今日橋を訪れる人々は、この高さのあるオープンエアの歩道をまったく違った方法で体験することができる。

Many people confuse the bridge with London Bridge, which is actually a different bridge a little further down the river, and rather less impressive. There were over 50 different designs put forward for the bridge, but the one we see today was designed by Sir Horace Jones. The bridge has seen a number of makeovers since its opening. It was originally painted a dark brown colour, in 1977 it was painted red, white, and blue to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and it now sits pretty in a grey and blue hue.

シティ・クルーズでロンドンの橋を見よう

A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one of these magnificent structures and the chance to experience a taste of the real London. If you want to experience the Thames in real style, join us on one of our upcoming Thames cruises and see these stunning structures from a whole new perspective. We offer more than just sightseeing trips, we offer a spacious outdoor top deck, tasteful food, and above all, spectacular views from a whole new perspective. If you jump on board a City Cruises tour, you can take a boat tour on the River Thames and see London and its bridges from a different perspective. You’ll be able to ride it from Greenwich, all the way to the Westminster area – meaning you’ll see the full route. There are so many key London sights to spot along the way, you won’t have time to blink!

元の投稿日2020年3月31日