In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he shares the details of one of London´s lesser-known bridges – Battersea Railway Bridge, which confusingly is also known by two other names. Even more confusing is the naming of all of the stations the railway takes you to, it´s like the Twilight Zone. Fortunately, Danny unpicks it all and reveals the area´s connection with hot air balloons, tightrope walkers, ladies of the night and Whistler.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Battersea Railway Bridge is also known as the Cremorne Bridge. Danny explains why in the episode.
• It was the first London Bridge to be built in wrought iron.
• It is the only bridge that doesn't cross the Thames at right angles.
• There are two train speed limits on the bridge.
• Having never been replaced, this is the oldest original bridge in Central London.

BEST MOMENTS

“It´s the only railway bridge across The Thames that runs to multiple destinations.”

“Mind you, if it was called Harlesden Junction, nobody would want to get off there.”

“The bridge was damaged in the early 1990s and then again in 2003.”

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

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https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction, and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…