Some of the most beautiful views of London are those from the many bridges which span the River Thames. Millions of people cross over the Thames every day but most are too concerned with reaching their destination to notice the structures they use, let alone consider their history or the risks taken in building them.

Triumphs of architecture and engineering, London's bridges have inspired artists as diverse as Dickens and Monet. From the elegant Richmond Bridge to the Gothic, quintessentially British Tower Bridge, they have formed the backdrop to battles, rebellions, pageantry and mysteries for two millennia.

Our speaker Brian Cookson has a BA degree from Oxford University and, since 1997, has been a London Blue Badge guide. “I cover the history and design of London's Thames Bridges from Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge, based on my book 'Crossing the River' published by Mainstream.”