Gate on Waterloo Bridge

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Gate on Waterloo Bridge

A hansom cab passes through the tollgate on Waterloo Bridge

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 4411216

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10226129

1858 Gates Hansom Passes Waterloo Toll Gate

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1858, captures a moment in time as a hansom cab passes through the tollgate on Waterloo Bridge in England. The bridge, an engineering marvel of its time, spans the River Thames and connects the South Bank with the North. The historical significance of this image lies in the juxtaposition of the traditional horse-drawn cab and the modern tollgate, a symbol of progress and change. Waterloo Bridge, completed in 1817, was the first bridge to span the Thames after the destruction of the old Westminster Bridge in 1815. The bridge's unique design, featuring two towers and five arches, was inspired by the ancient Roman aqueducts. This photograph, taken over three decades after its completion, showcases the bridge's enduring beauty and importance as a vital transportation link. The tollgate, a necessary revenue source for the bridge's maintenance, adds an intriguing layer to the scene. The gatekeeper, not visible in the photograph, would have collected a fee from the cab driver for the safe passage of his vehicle and passengers. This fee was essential for the upkeep of the bridge and ensured its longevity. The hansom cab, a popular mode of transportation in the 19th century, adds a sense of nostalgia to the image. These cabs, named after their inventor, Joseph Hansom, were known for their distinctive design and affordability. They were an essential part of London's transportation network, providing a convenient and efficient means of travel for the city's residents. This photograph, with its rich historical context, offers a glimpse into the past and showcases the evolution of transportation and infrastructure in England during the 19th century. The tollgate on Waterloo Bridge stands as a testament to the bridge's history and the progress that has shaped the city of London.

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