History Challenge & Journal

[redzonerocker]

It was either that or watch a replay of QPR v Spurs...

Yep, i was gonna say it was the spuds defensive wall for the Taarabt free kick

[dtaai-maai]

Here's a quicky, but no GOOGLING til I say so!

How long is the River Thames?

How many bridges and tunnels do you think there are across the Thames (all of it)?

Where is the oldest bridge that's still standing?

How old is it?

[Jimbob]

The Thames? 215 miles long from dribble to ebb tide.

[dtaai-maai]

Spot on, Jimbob!

Care to have a guess at the number of bridges and tunnels?

[Siani]

This could be a tricky one I suppose it used to be London Bridge before it was foolishly sold Before that I think it was once wooden and replaced. Think it had houses on it then. But then I sway to Westminster Bridge because of the houses of parliment etc, but think it may have been replaced too....but the Thames is long so could be a smaller one anywhere, miles away from the city maybe? Is it in the city? DM

[dtaai-maai]

The oldest existing bridge is not in London.

[Siani]

Well thinking of Hampton Court is it Richmond Bridge? Not sure, it could be Kingston Bridge also?

[dtaai-maai]

I think until we get to the googling stage, you either know the oldest bridge or you don't!

In the meantime, have a go at how many bridges and tunnels there are.

[STEVE G]

I reckon the oldest bridge would have to be up-river somewhere where the river is much narrower but I've never spent much time in that part of the world. I suppose up near Oxford?

[Siani]

Westminster Bridge

[dtaai-maai]

I reckon the oldest bridge would have to be up-river somewhere where the river is much narrower but I've never spent much time in that part of the world. I suppose up near Oxford?

Good thinking.


Siani, we already established it's not in London.

[lindosfan1]

Hungerford or bray bridge

[caller]

Thats confused me as Hungerford isn't anywhere near the Thames! Is there a bridge at Bray, bar the nearby M4?

Is it a foot, rail or roadbridge? There must be older, but the Brunel built railway bridge at Maidenhead is quite special.

For my sins, I've walked the Thames from Putney to Goring.

[dtaai-maai]

Okay - forget the name of the bridge -

HOW OLD?

How many bridges are there altogether?

[Siani]

I think the bridge was built around 1600? Just a guess!