Henley Bridge

Henley Bridge is a road bridge of 1786, designed by William Hayward, incorporating the easternmost span of a 12th-century bridge. According to historical records, the original bridge was likely built by Henry II in the 1170s, with the king having purchased land in Henley for building structures in 1179. William Hayward died in 1782 before work on the new bridge could start. The keystones of the bridge were carved by the sculptor Anne Seymour Damer (1748-1828), who was known for her successful sculpting career and later intense friendships. She inherited Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham from her cousin, Horace Walpole.

The bridge itself is constructed of ashlar stone and features five spans. Each pier is characterized by a low, projecting, domed buttress with rusticated surfacing. The elliptical arches have prominent keystones carved with the heads of Thamesis (facing downstream) and Isis (facing upstream). A dentil cornice sits above the arches, below a stone balustrade with rounded carved balusters. Metal lamp posts, featuring fluted plinths adorned with cherub heads and four-sided lamps, are affixed to the balustrade at each end of the bridge. Metal plaques instructing drivers of ‘engines’ are attached to the wing walls at both ends.

The south retaining wall of the east abutment is partially built on the intact easternmost span of the original 12th-century bridge, which has a segmental vault of shuttered flint rubble masonry with Barnack stone dressings. The arch on the south is of two square orders; the north arch is likely similar but is partially obscured by an 18th-century blocking wall.