Old links to new in London in unusual ways. For instance, St Paul’s (in the City of London) is connected to the Tate Modern (Bankside) by one of London’s most interesting new structures--the Millennium Bridge. A sight worth experiencing, we were told; so off we went.The Millennium Bridge is a 325 metre long pedestrian bridge that was inaugurated in June 2000, but was shut down a few days later because it swayed alarmingly. Special supports have since been added to it, and despite the stiff breeze on the day we visited, the bridge seemed sturdy enough.
The Millennium Bridge is all steel and aluminium, futuristic and smart. The 4-metre-wide walkway is supported by heavy cables that dip below the walkway towards the centre of the bridge, to allow viewers an uninterrupted view along the river. And to help with that, there are etchings on the rail, showing you what’s what. Among the places we spotted were the Gherkin Building, the Globe Theatre, and the house of Christopher Wren.
I, being a history buff, was most fascinated by the well-researched and interesting story of the Thames that unfolds along the railings of the Millennium Bridge. The story of the `cleanest metropolitan river in the world’ is told through words and pictures that recount the history and the landmarks of the Thames. This offbeat exhibition has been designed by Peter Ackroyd, and begins with a history of the 30-million-year-old river, which was originally a tributary of the Rhine. The Thames has a rich heritage, and has been the focus for many recreational activities, beginning with medieval tilting contests to the annual Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, instituted in 1829. The venue for various regattas, the riverside has also been a favourite spot for palaces, gardens and pleasure resorts.
It isn’t just the history of the Thames that’s narrated here; it’s also the geography. The Thames, we learnt, arises at Thames Head (where else?!), at Ewen, Gloucestershire. It’s 215 miles long, 191 miles being navigable. Besides the many tributaries and streams that join the Thames in its journey through the countryside, there are subterranean streams, like the Fleet River and the Stamford Stream, that actually flow below London.
Our walk across the Bridge was fascinating, and when we reached the Bankside end, we were in for another pleasant surprise. The ramp to the bank is printed with a map of the Thames, as it meanders its way to the North Sea. Important cities, famous sights, and the river’s main tributaries are marked in vivid blue and grey.
And that isn’t all. At Southwark tube station, about 10-minute walk from the bridge, is an Aeolian harp of sorts. Stand at a certain point (it’s marked with a plaque) in the station, and you’ll hear a soft, melodious chiming. This is a musical transmission of the footfalls and other movements on the bridge. Don’t ask me how they did it; but it’s fascinating. As is everything about the Millennium Bridge.