1831 New London Bridge Opening – Brass Medal

The 1831 New London Bridge Medal is a historically significant brass medalet struck to commemorate the formal opening of the New London Bridge over the River Thames. From the beginning, this piece reflects one of the most ambitious civil engineering achievements of 19th-century Britain. Moreover, it captures a moment when London actively replaced a medieval structure with a modern bridge designed to meet the demands of a growing capital.

Historical Background

Work on the New London Bridge began in 1825, replacing the previous bridge that had stood for more than 600 years. The renowned engineer John Rennie designed the bridge with improved traffic flow and wider spans. After years of construction, the bridge officially opened on August 1, 1831, under the reign of King William IV. Consequently, this medal serves as a tangible reminder of Britain’s transition into the industrial age and its commitment to modern infrastructure.

Obverse Design

On the obverse, the 1831 New London Bridge Medal presents a detailed panoramic view of the River Thames and the newly completed bridge. Embankments frame the scene on both sides, while five central arches dominate the structure. In the foreground, several boats animate the river, adding depth and realism. In the distance, St. Paul’s Cathedral and surrounding buildings anchor the composition firmly within London.
Additionally, technical inscriptions appear prominently, including “CARRIAGE WAY 33 ½ FT.,” “LENGTH OF BRIDGE 782 FT.,” “CENTRE ARCH 150,” and “SIDE ARCH 140.” These measurements emphasize the bridge’s scale and engineering precision. Notably, many surviving examples show a large die break at the bottom of the obverse, a well-known characteristic among collectors.

Reverse Inscription

The reverse features a central inscription arranged in ten lines, with the top and bottom lines gracefully curved. The text records that the first stone of the New London Bridge was laid by John Garratt, Esq., Lord Mayor of London, and that the bridge was opened by Their Majesties on August 1st, 1831. However, the medal incorrectly states the laying date as March 14, 1824, rather than the generally accepted date of June 15, 1825. Despite this error, the inscription adds historical intrigue and authenticity to the piece.

Later History and Legacy

Decades later, the bridge itself gained renewed fame when the City of London sold it in 1968 to American entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch. Subsequently, workers dismantled the bridge stone by stone and reconstructed it at Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where it was re-dedicated in 1971. Therefore, this medal connects not only to Victorian London but also to a remarkable chapter of transatlantic history.

Specifications and Condition

This example measures approximately 28 mm in diameter and features a milled edge. Struck in base metal, it shows expected wear consistent with age, enhancing its historical character rather than diminishing its appeal.

Collector Appeal

Today, the 1831 New London Bridge Medal remains a desirable item for collectors of British historical medals, architectural commemoratives, and early 19th-century exonumia. Accordingly, it represents an excellent addition to advanced collections focused on engineering history or London heritage.