In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he looks at two of London´s quirkier river crossings. Starting with the footbridge that connects Eel Pie Island to Twickenham. A bridge that was built as an alternative to visitors to the island at one time having to practically walk on water at certain times of the day. As well as sharing the history of the bridge Danny reveals Eel Pie Island´s connection with ballroom dancing, the clockwork radio, jazz, Acker Bilk and George Melly, as well as rock acts like The Rolling Stones. Eric Clapton, the WHO, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and more.

He also shares details of the calmer, but nonetheless fascinating history of Teddington footbridge, which is located near a strange obelisk. Including its connection with D-day, Tommy Cooper, Black Books, The Avengers and Opportunity Knocks.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The footbridge that connects Twickenham to Eel Pie Island only spans half of the river so is not usually counted as a Thames crossing.

• The Eel Pie footbridge was originally called Snapper's Bridge, Danny explains why during the episode.

• At one time, this stretch of The Thames dried out every day. Danny reveals why and what was done to solve this problem.

• The Eel Pie footbridge closed for 5 years

• Teddington Lock is tidal and vital for keeping the river navigable.

• Teddington Bridge consists of two bridges broken up by an island.

• The weir at Teddington was destroyed by nature during a very cold winter. Danny explains how.

BEST MOMENTS

“Before this bridge appeared visitors used to have to use the ferry service, or else, before 1894, walk across the river, which was possible, believe it or not,”

“Ironically, the hotel burnt to the ground two years later.”

“After several incidents of attempted sabotage, the lock keeper was granted permission to carry firearms.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk

Richmond Lock and Weir episode - https://poddtoppen.se/podcast/1723833083/unusual-histories/the-bridge-series-richmond-lock-and-weir

https://www.eelpiemuseum.co.uk

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.

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