As one of the busiest transport hubs in London, London Bridge Railway Station has a rich architectural history that reflects the evolution of railway infrastructure and the changing face of the city. From its humble origins in the 19th century to its recent redevelopment, this iconic station has served as a vital gateway connecting the capital to the rest of the country.
The First Station (1836-1921)
London Bridge’s railway history began in 1836 with the opening of the London and Greenwich Railway, the world’s first passenger railway line to use steam locomotives. The original station structure, designed by the engineer John Urpeth Rastrick, was a modest two-story brick building located on Tooley Street. Its design was functional, with a simple gabled roof and a single platform serving the line’s two tracks.
As rail travel grew in popularity, the station underwent several expansions in the following decades. In 1847, the London and Brighton Railway and the South Eastern Railway both opened new lines terminating at London Bridge, necessitating the construction of additional platforms and facilities. These early expansions, while necessary, lacked a cohesive architectural vision, resulting in a somewhat haphazard complex of buildings.
The Terminus Bridge (1866-1921)
The turning point in London Bridge’s architectural development came in 1866 with the construction of the Terminus Bridge, designed by the renowned engineer Sir John Hawkshaw. This grand, cast-iron and glass structure spanned the River Thames, providing a dramatic visual gateway to the City of London.
Hawkshaw’s design was a testament to the Victorian era’s engineering prowess. The bridge’s soaring arches, measuring 155 feet (47 meters) in height, supported a series of wide trainshed roofs that covered the station’s platforms. The use of glass and iron created a sense of openness and light, in contrast to the heavy masonry of earlier railway architecture.
The Terminus Bridge became an iconic landmark, recognized for its innovative design and strategic location. It served as the public face of the station, welcoming both commuters and visitors to London with its impressive, if somewhat imposing, presence.
Rebuilding and Expansion (1921-1978)
By the early 20th century, the increasing volume of rail traffic and the station’s aging infrastructure had rendered the original buildings and Terminus Bridge obsolete. In 1921, a major redevelopment project was undertaken to rebuild and expand the station.
This redevelopment was overseen by the architect’s firm of Holden and Pearson, who were tasked with creating a modern, functional station that could handle the growing number of passengers and trains. Their design replaced the Terminus Bridge and most of the older structures with a new, unified complex of buildings.
The centerpiece of the 1921 redevelopment was the grand, Neo-Baroque station building fronting Tooley Street. This imposing structure, clad in Portland stone, featured a grand central arched entrance flanked by clock towers. The interiors were equally impressive, with a monumental booking hall and vast concourse spaces to accommodate the flow of passengers.
Behind the grand façade, the station’s layout was organized around a series of island platforms connected by subways and bridges. This streamlined configuration allowed for more efficient movement of trains and passengers, a significant improvement over the previous haphazard arrangement.
The 1921 redevelopment also saw the construction of additional service buildings, including a dedicated parcels office and a signal box. These utilitarian structures, while less architecturally ornate than the main station, played a crucial role in the station’s day-to-day operations.
Contemporary Redevelopment (1978-Present)
In the latter half of the 20th century, London Bridge Station underwent further transformations to meet the evolving needs of rail travel. The most significant redevelopment took place between 1978 and 1980, when the station’s main concourse and platforms were rebuilt and expanded.
The 1978-1980 project, designed by the architectural firm Grimshaw and Partners, introduced a more modern aesthetic while respecting the station’s historic character. The new concourse building, clad in mirrored glass and steel, provided a striking contrast to the ornate Victorian-era structures. Its soaring, column-free spaces and abundant natural light created a more open and airy feel for passengers.
The latest phase of redevelopment, completed in 2018, has further enhanced the station’s functionality and visual appeal. This £1 billion project, led by Grimshaw Architects, has transformed London Bridge into a state-of-the-art transportation hub, featuring:
- An expanded and reorganized platform layout, with the addition of new tracks and platforms
- Improved accessibility, including lifts and escalators to all platforms
- A spacious new concourse with natural light and clear wayfinding
- Retail and commercial spaces integrated into the station’s design
Throughout these successive redevelopments, the station’s architects have strived to balance the need for modern, efficient infrastructure with the preservation of the site’s historic character. The iconic Tooley Street façade, for instance, has been carefully restored and integrated into the new design, ensuring that London Bridge Station continues to serve as an architectural gateway to the City of London.
Today, London Bridge Station stands as a testament to the enduring importance of rail transport in the life of the capital. Its architectural evolution, from a modest 19th-century terminus to a state-of-the-art 21st-century hub, reflects the city’s own transformation over the past two centuries. As a vital link in London’s transportation network, the station will undoubtedly continue to shape the urban landscape for generations to come.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.