Blackfriars Bridge, London

Blackfriars Bridge is tangible proof that even bridges in London have dramatic backstories and excellent taste in accessories.

The original structure made its debut in 1769, the brainchild of 26-year-old architectural prodigy Robert Mylne. He had just returned from Rome, full of Renaissance dreams and Piranesi prints, and decided to channel them into nine graceful, semi-elliptical arches of Portland stone. A scenic marvel with St. Paul’s Cathedral looming nobly in the background, it was so picturesque that 18th-century painters couldn’t resist putting it on canvas. One of the best-known results is William Marlow’s romantic rendering of Saint Paul’s from the South Bank. Very moody. Very oil-paint-on-canvas energy.

But alas, arches don’t last forever, especially when river water gets feisty. By 1869, Queen Victoria cut the ribbon on the new-and-improved Blackfriars Road Bridge, almost exactly a century after its predecessor was inaugurated. This time, engineers ditched the stone and went full steam ahead with five elliptical wrought-iron arches, designed not to upset the Thames or its boat traffic. The bridge’s granite piers, styled like medieval pulpits, are a nod to the 13th-century Dominican friary that gave the area its name. (No, not a brand of gin, though that would've been fun.) As for the color scheme, it's red, white, gold, and plenty of royal drama.

Look closely and you’ll spot seabirds on the east side, freshwater birds on the west, and a very stoic silver dragon guarding the entrance to the City of London like a mythical customs officer.

By 1910, the bridge had to bulk up-hello, trams and London’s ever-growing swarm of vehicles. Today, it spans a beefy 105 feet (or 32 meters), making it the widest bridge over the Thames. That’s right: a true heavyweight champion of river crossings.

More recently (in 2007), Blackfriars Bridge had its own moment of magic for Potterheads, soaring onto the silver screen in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, when the Order whisked Harry away from Privet Drive to Grimmauld Place. Look closely, and you’ll catch them flying under the Blackfriars, capes flapping and all that. Muggles didn’t even blink.

Tip:
Wander into the southern pedestrian subway and you’ll still see Mylne’s original bridge, lovingly preserved in tile. Because even demolished bridges deserve a good portrait.