| In 1753 it became obvious that a new bridge was required to make a gateway to the capital. This would be the third bridge to be built across the Thames in central London, after London Bridge and Westminster Bridge. A competition was held in 1759 to find the best design and the winner, Robert Mylne, was appointed to build the bridge in 1760. The bridge had nine elliptical arches, resting on slender, pointed cutwaters and supported by double Ionic columns. (source: www.waymarking.com) This is an engraving of the design approved by the Committee in Common council in 1760. Folded as published, with a lot of boats on the Thames. Short margins at the left and right (2-3 mm). |