Mathematical Bridge, Cambridge
The Mathematical Bridge is a wooden footbridge over the River Cam in Cambridge that connects two parts of Queen's College.
The bridge is 50 feet, 8 inches (15.44 metres) long and a marvel of 18th century engineering.
History
The bridge opened in 1749 and was designed by William Etheridge (1708-1776). The construction was by the locally-born builder and architect James Essex (1722-1784), who worked on several Cambridge colleges as well as nearby Ely Cathedral.
Originally called "Wooden Bridge," it is the only one of several wooden bridges around the country designed by Etheridge that still stands today. His most famous wooden bridge of a similar design was the Old Walton Bridge over the River Thames that was twice painted by Canaletto.
The Grade II Listed building is not the original, however, as it has been replaced twice in 1866 and in 1905, retaining the basic design.
The timbers in the construction form a series of tangents that describe the arc of the bridge. The structure is both solid and self-supporting.
The bridge is set on two stone abutments on either bank of the river.
The open design lessens the stresses of wind on the bridge.
Further information about the bridge is best accessed at the college's own website page on the topic.
Nearby
Cambridge is best explored on foot, by bicycle or on the river in a punt. Other attractions in town are the University Botanical Gardens, the Fitzwilliam Museum on Trumpington Street, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology on Downing Street, the Scott Polar Research Institute (Polar Museum) on Lensfield Road and the Whipple Museum of the History of Science on Free School Lane.
Other popular colleges for tourists are King's College, Clare College and Trinity College.
The Bridge of Sighs at St. John's College is another well-known bridge in the town, perhaps the most famous of all the bridges in Cambridge. Clare Bridge is the oldest bridge in Cambridge.
Hotels
If you wish to stay in Cambridge there are several good options. These include the three-star Holiday Inn Express Cambridge, the three-star ibis Cambridge Central Station and the four-star Ramada Cambridge, a 20-minute drive from the centre.
Hotels in Cambridge
Cambridge Accommodation - Booking.com
Book Hotels in England - Booking.com