River level loading ...
Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group - restoring old channels in Maidenhead. (Click 'Maps' below and then 'Old OS Maps' to see many of the channels referred to)
Maps
1297:
Maidenhead Bridge was “almost broke down” – so clearly dates from long before that.
1337:
Pontage (toll on water traffic) grant for 6 years.
1367: Watermen complaining about pontage. Fred Thacker comments -
It has always seemed to me one of the minor ironies of our planet that water traffic should be compelled to contribute towards the maintenance of obstructions to its conduct.
1400: Repairs under the supervision of the Prior of Bisham
1452:-
divers lieges of the King cannot cross without peril at certain times of the year through floods and the weakness of the bridge.
1530: Leland –
Maidenhead Bridge of Tymbre. Ther is great warfeage of Timbre and fier wood on the west end of the bridge, & this wood cummith out of Barkshir
1557: Part of petition quoted in Dickens's Dictionary of the Thames, 1885 -
... the seid toun of Maydenhedd is scituat in a loo contree, and very nere adjoynynge to the ryver Thamys, so that the seid contre is, dyvers tymes in the yere, so surrounded and overflowen with water that yr. Highnes seid subjects cannot passe goe nor travell to their seid churches ...
1577: Argument as to whether the whole river or just to the centre line belonged to Bray:
One
set of witnesses asserted that the Taplow parish procession (“walking the
bounds”) proceeded to the middle of the bridge “and that there was a gospell
said there by the curate of Taplow”.
This was not denied; however it was asserted that the Bray procession
always “came over Maidenhed Bridge to the farther
post of the same on Bucksyde”.
[What a pity their Saints’ Days did not coincide.
Clearly a judgement of Solomon was called for. ]
1699: Ogilby’s Travellers’ Guide –
Maidenhead has a Key to which barges come from London
Maidenhead, undated
1714: The bridge had become ruinous and dangerous.
1772: Act for a new bridge passed.
1776: P. Oliver’s MS, Notes of Tours in Engand –
A long wooden bridge, with a privilege annex’d to it of cutting 3 trees annually from the King’s forest to repair it. But a Rod or two above it, upstream, is now building a very grand free stone bridge of thirteen arches in imitation of Westminster bridge, which will have a striking effect, and it is said will cost £25,000”. Architect Sir Robert Taylor.
London: To Thirty Miles Extent, from an Actual Perambulation By David Hughson, 1808 -
The stone bridge over the river Thames, with thirteen arches, six
brick and seven stone, was begun in 1772, and cost upwards
of £20,000: the architect was Sir Robert Taylor ; it was originally
of timber.
This town, now so considerable, did
not begin to flourish, till, by the building of its bridge,
travellers were brought this way, who before used a ferry at
that time called Babham's End, two miles north of it.
The barge pier bridge is maintained by the corporation, for
which they are allowed the tolls both over and under it.
The barge pier divides Berks from Bucks. There is a
great trade here in malt, meal, and timber, which they
carry in their barges to London. As this is the great thoroughfare
from thence to Bath, Bristol, and other southwest
parts of England, the adjacent wood or thicket has
been noted for many robberies.
1792: The new Maidenhead Bridge, Samuel Ireland -
The handsome bridge at Maidenhead was
constructed from a design of the late Sir Robert
Taylor, and is a work of much merit. It is of
stone, and consists of seven large semi-circular
arches, with three smaller ones of brick at
each end. It has been finished about nine
years, at an expence of nineteen thousand
pounds, independent of the purchase of lands
contiguous, to render the work compleat.
Below the bridge, on a retrospective view,
the hills of Taplow and Cliefden aid the landscape considerably, and render the scenery
more picturesque and beautiful than any
thing that has yet occurred. From this
point the annexed view was taken.
1792: Maidenhead Bridge, Samuel Ireland
1800: The new Maidenhead Bridge -
Maidenhead Bridge, c 1800
[ I think this is a typical example of an artist drawing what he thought he saw rather than
what actually was before his eyes. (Of course maybe artists always have to do that -
but to my mind there is gross distortion here)
I cannot think that the bridge has changed so significantly with such a gradient to the centre,
and the side arches being so much smaller. However the same 'distortion' if that is what it is,
is shown in the 1859 woodcut for Mr & Mrs Hall.
But the photos of 1880 and 1899 show an almost flat bridge - ]
1811: The Thames -
Maidenhead Bridge, 1811
Maidenhead bridge is a handsome structure of Portland stone,
consisting of seven principal and six lesser arches, and was built after a design of Sir Robert Taylor.
In passing over it the Thames presents two such different views,
that the eye can scarce be brought to reconcile the contrasted appearance.
To the north is seen the bold range of woody heights, crowned with Taplow, Cliefden, and Hedsor;
while to the south the river flows through one unvaried, uninteresting level,
enlivened with no other objects than the summer buildings on Monkey Island, and the tower of Bray church.
The English Counties Delineated by Thomas Moule -
The bridge, of thirteen arches altogether, over the Thames, was erected in 1772,
from designs by Sir Robert Taylor, at an expense of £20,000.
The barge pier of the bridge is maintained by the Corporation, for which they receive toll ...
From the ten aldermen two bridge-masters are annually chosen.
1832: June, the Sporting Magazine -
GRAND ROWING MATCH BETWEEN ETON AND WESTMINSTER.
... a match between eight Gentlemen of Eton College and eight of Westminster took place at Maidenhead.
Towards the afternoon thousands of people, including a phalanx of beauty from the surrounding neighbourhood,
as far as London and Oxford, arrived at the scene of action, and about half-past four the town and banks of the
River were crowded with anxious spectators.
The Etonians left Windsor in barouches-and-four, chaises, gigs,
&c.; and every species of vehicle
within a few miles of the town was
hired for the occasion. Upon their
arrival at the Orkney Arms they were
enthusiastically cheered. The Westminsters
had arrived two hours before
them.
They immediately manned
their boats and proceeded to the starting
post. The Etonians having won
the toss, took their station on the Eton
side of the River. They were dressed
in blue-striped cotton jerseys, with
cape to match, and white trowsers.
The Westminsters occupied a similar
station on the opposite side of the
River, dressed in plain white shirts.
As the Westminster crew had been
practising together for three months,
and the Etonians had begun rowing
only a week before, also from the superior
size and supposed strength of
the former, it was generally thought
that the match would be won easily
by them, and some odds as high as
10 to 1 were offered upon the event.
Upon the firing of a gun the two boats
started from the buoy below Maidenhead
Bridge, to row to a flag-post
placed in the River below Monkey
Island, and back, altogether a distance
of seven miles. From the first stroke
of the oars the Eton boat evidently
gained, and on turning the buoy was about 100 yards ahead.
It reached
Maidenhead Bridge in 35 minutes,
winning the match by nearly half a
mile. It is difficult to describe the
loud and repeated cheers with which
they were received on rowing through
the arch of the bridge, and indeed
all the time they were engaged in the
match.
The winning boat (The
Britannia, belonging to Hester, water-
Man, at Windsor) was built by
Honey and Archer ; the other (The
Challenge) by Roberts.
It must be remembered that the Westminsters were beat on their own water (at Putney) two years ago.
It is to be hoped that they are now convinced of their decided inferiority to the Etonians in the art of rowing,
notwithstanding they were "big enough to eat the Eton boy", as the knowing ones among the Westminster watermen sagaciously observed.
— It should, however, be taken into account, that a start got at first in the narrow waters is not very easily beaten.
Maidenhead Bridge in 1859
1885: Dickens's Dictionary of the Thames -
... Although Maidenhead itself has few charms for the visitor, the country about it, more particularly the woods of Cliveden and Hedsor, a short distance up the river on the Bucks side, is charming indeed. Between Maidenhead and Marlow is, perhaps, the best known and the most popular part of the river. And its popularity is well deserved; for whether for the angler, the artist, the oarsman, or the simple tourist; whether for fishing, picnicking, and it has been even whispered "spooning", to say nothing of camping-out, there are few places in England to beat the Cliveden Reach at Maidenhead or Quarry Woods at Marlow. ...
1899: Maidenhead Bridge, Francis Frith -
1899: Maidenhead Bridge, Francis Frith
1906: Mortimer Menpes, Watercolour –
Maidenhead, Mortimer Menpes, 1906
1907: Watercolour –
Maidenhead, 1907
Vanishing Britain, P H Ditchfield -
The building of bridges was anciently regarded as a charitable and religious act,
and guilds and brotherhoods existed for their maintenance and reparation.
At Maidenhead there was a notable bridge, for the sustenance of which the
Guild of St. Andrew and St. Mary Magdalene was established by Henry VI in 1452.
An early bridge existed here in the thirteenth century, a grant having been made
in 1298 for its repair. A bridge-master was one of the officials of the corporation,
according to the charter granted to the town by James II.
The old bridge was built of wood and supported by piles.
No wonder that people were terrified at the thought of passing over such structures
in dark nights and stormy weather. There was often a bridge-chapel,
as on the old Caversham bridge, wherein they said their prayers,
and perhaps made their wills, before they ventured to cross.
Some towns owe their existence to the making of bridges. It was so at Maidenhead.
It was quite a small place, a cluster of cottages, but Camden tells us
that after the erection of the bridge the town began to have inns and to
be so frequented as to outvie its "neighbouring mother, Bray, a much more ancient place,"
where the famous "Vicar" lived. The old bridge gave place in 1772 to a grand
new one with very graceful arches, which was designed by Sir Roland Taylor.
1929: A Thames Survey -
Maidenhead Bridge, carrying the Bath Road, was built by John Townsend of Oxford to the design
and under the supervision of Sir Robert Taylor (1714-88), who was the architect for stone buildings,
Lincoln's Inn, also the two wings on either side of Sampson's original façade at The Bank of England,
and many buildings in London. Sir Robert Taylor was also a sculptor of some repute and carried out
the sculpture in the pediment at the Mansion House. He founded the Taylorian Institute at Oxford.
The bridge with its approaches are in the County of Berks (Bridge Act, 1772), and it was opened
for traffic in 1777, built of stone at a total cost of nearly £19,000.
It is a robust and interesting design, with five arches over the river, very pronounced voussoirs,
and surmounted by a stone balustrade.
1955: Maidenhead Bridge, Francis Frith -
1955: Maidenhead Bridge, Francis Frith
2004: Maidenhead Bridge –
Maidenhead Bridge in 2004
Maidenhead Bridge, Doug Myers © 2005
2007: From the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area report, South Bucks District Council
The road bridge, Maidenhead bridge, listed Grade I, was built between 1772 and 1777 by John Townsend of Oxford to the designs of Sir Robert Taylor, the architect of Lincoln’s Inn. With its graceful stone arches and balustrade Pevsner describes it as “Georgian masonry at its best.”
2009: September
Contractors are set to remove eroded stonework and replace it as part of essential strengthening works.
The repairs will not impact on traffic using the bridge as work will be carried out from barges on the river.
It is expected to last 25 weeks, dependent on weather and river flow, and should maintain the Grade 1 listed structure
for future generations.
The first phase to prevent underwater erosion on the main bridge foundation piers was completed [in 2008]
Cllr Colin Rayner, cabinet member for highways and streetcare, said:
"If we did not carry out the work we would undoubtedly have had to reduce the 40-tonne weight limit on the bridge
which would have had major traffic implications for a great many vehicles."
Map: Bridge Eyot
Right bank above bridge
Map: small island above Bridge Eyot
Map: Grass Eyot
Above Bridge Eyot
Mill Race
Behind left bank island
Map: Taplow Court
1811: The Thames -
Taplow House is an ancient edifice, belonging to the Earl of Orkney, the possessor,
also, of what once was Cliefden [a burnt out ruin at this date],
and is a very picturesque object on the southern point of the long range of woody hills,
whose northern and more elevated extremity was occupied by Cliefden.
From an opening at the termination of the upper walk, what may now be called the mutilated brow of Cliefden,
is seen across a woody chasm. In the bottom, the Thames appears divided into two branches, which form an island,
whereon is distinguished the mansion of Sir George Young:
beyond are the insulated grounds of Cookham House, the meads of Hedsor, and the rising country of Buckinghamshire.
The lower walk, in Taplow woods, though it loses the great expanse of prospect,
acquires something better in the perspective distinctness of its objects.
The extent of horizon is lost, but the partial glimpses of it from particular points,
or through selected openings, which the hand of taste has curiously provided for particular scenes,
produces in the mind a more composed delight.
From one shady seat, Windsor Castle appears insulated in foliage;
and, from another, Eton College is seen in a similar frame-work of branching verdure.
But this is not all:— many circumstances, both natural and accidental, which, from the higher stations,
are either overlooked or involved in the wide circumference of prospect, acquire, from the more distinct and insulated view,
an individual and interesting importance instead of being lost, as it were, in the extent of surface,
over which the eye hurries with indiscriminating impatience.
They become predominant features in the chosen landscape.—
The mills, which stretch from the banks of the river to the islands, with their rushing waters;
the farms and cottages that are scattered about the nearer part of the country ;
the rural mansions which grace the shore, with all the navigating machinery of the stream,
enliven, vary, and complete the prospect.
Taplow House was a place of confinement to the Princess Elizabeth [later Queen Elizabeth I],
during the reign of her bigotted and tyrannic sister, Mary:
and, in a predominating situation in the park, is a venerable oak, which tradition represents
as having been planted by her during the period of her solitary residence at this place :
but its present state of decay appears to suggest a much earlier period for its infant growth,
if we may compare it with the Fairlop oak, and other trees of the same class,
whose far greater antiquity has been clearly ascertained.
1840: Charles Mackay, "The Thames and its Tributaries" -
On the [left bank] of the river are the waving woods of Taplow, hanging in picturesque beauty over the stream, and associated in our remembrance with the name of Elizabeth, who during the reign of her sister, passed some time in a sort of captivity in this place. There is a large oak-tree in the park, which popular tradition, fond of attributing the origin of favourite trees to favourite personages, maintains to have been planted by that princess.
Left bank, opposite layby for Boulters Lock, now home to a Buddist Society, open to public Sundays and Bank Holidays in Summer. Picnic in 85 acres of grounds.
Upstream to below Boulters
Estuary
PLA
QEII Br
Barrier
Tower Br
Custom Ho
London Br
; Frost Fairs
Cannon St Rb
The Great Stink
Southwark Br
Millenium Br
Blackfriars Rb
Blackfriars Br
Waterloo Br
Charing Cross Rb
Westminster Br
Lambeth Br
Vauxhall Br
Victoria Rb
Chelsea Br
Albert Br
Battersea Br
Battersea Rb
Wandsworth Br
Fulham Rb
Putney Br
Hammersmith Br
Barnes Rb
Chiswick Br
Kew Rb
Kew Br
RICHMOND
Twickenham Br
Richmond Rb
Richmond Br
TEDDINGTON
Kingston Rb
Kingston Br
Ditton Slip
Hampton Br
MOLESEY
SUNBURY
Walton Br
Desborough Cut
SHEPPERTON
Chertsey Br
CHERTSEY
M3 Br
Laleham Slip
PENTON HOOK
Staines Rb
Staines Br
Runnymede Br
BELL WEIR
Magna Carta Is
OLD WINDSOR
Albert Br
Datchet
Victoria Br
Black Potts Rb
ROMNEY
Eton
Windsor Br
Windsor Rb
Windsor Slip
Elizabeth Br
BOVENEY
Dorney Lake
York Cut
Summerleaze Fb
MonkeyIsland
New Thames Br
BRAY
Bray Slip
Maidenhead Rb
Maidenhead Br
Below Boulters
BOULTERS
Cliveden
Hedsor
COOKHAM
Cookham Slip
Cookham Br
BourneEnd RFb
Quarry Woods
A404 Br
MARLOW
Marlow Br
Bisham
TEMPLE
HURLEY
Medmenham
Culham Ct
Aston Slip
HAMBLEDEN
Temple Is
Fawley Ct
Remenham
Regatta
Phyllis Ct
Henley Slip
Leander
Red Lion
Henley Br
Angel on Br
Landing
Hobbs Boatyard
Hobbs Slipway
MARSH
Hennerton
Bolney
Wargrave
Shiplake Rb
R.Loddon
SHIPLAKE
Sonning Br
SONNING
Dreadnought
K&A Canal
CAVERSHAM
Reading Br
Caversham Br
Reading Slip
Purley
MAPLEDURHAM
Hardwick Ho
Whitchurch Br
WHITCHURCH
Hartswood Reach
Gatehampton Rb
Goring Gap
Goring Br
GORING
Swan
CLEEVE
Moulsford
Moulsford Rb
Papist Way Slip
Winterbrook Br
Wallingford Br
BENSON
Shillingford Br
R.Thame
DAYS
Burcot
Clifton Hampden
Clifton Church
Clifton H Br
Barley Mow
Long Wittenham
CLIFTON
Appleford Rb
Sutton Courtenay
Sutton Br
CULHAM
Culham Cut Fb
Abingdon Slip
Abingdon
Abingdon Br
ABINGDON
Nuneham Rb
Nuneham
Nuneham Park
Radley Boats
SANDFORD
Rose Island
Kennington Rb
Isis Br
Iffley Mill
IFFLEY
Oxford Rowing
Isis
Donnington Br
Riverside Slip
Boathouses
Punting
Lower Cherwell
Upper Cherwell
Islip
Head of River
Salters Steamers
Folly Br
Bacons Folly
Oxford Fb
Osney Fb
Weir stream
Osney Rb
Bullstake Stream
Osney Marina
OSNEY
Osney Br
Four Rivers
OLD RIVER
CANAL
Medley Weir Site
Medley Fb
Bossoms
Perch
Trout
GODSTOW
Godstow Nunnery
Godstow Br
Thames Br
KINGS
River Evenlode
EYNSHAM
Swinford Br
Oxford Cruisers
PINKHILL
Farmoor
Stanton Harcourt
Bablock Slip
Arks Weir Site
NORTHMOOR
Harts Fb
//Rose Revived
Newbridge
//Maybush
River Windrush
below Shifford
SHIFFORD
Shifford Fb
Tenfoot Fb
Trout Inn
Tadpole Br
RUSHEY
Old Mans Fb
RADCOT
Radcot Cradle Fb
Swan Inn
Radcot New Br
Radcot Old Br
GRAFTON
Eaton Hastings
Kelmscott
Eaton Fb
BUSCOT
Bloomers Hole Fb
Trout Inn
St Johns Br
ST JOHNS
Halfpenny Br
Marina Slip
LIMIT
Inglesham
Hannington Br
Kempsford
Castle Eaton Br
Marston Meysey
A419 Br
Cricklade
SOURCE?
THAMES HEAD
SEVEN SPRINGS