Mathematical Bridge
The Mathematical Bridge is a wooden footbridge across the River Cam within Queens' College, built in 1749 and known for a persistent (and false) legend that it was originally built without nails or bolts, supposedly by Isaac Newton, only for later students to take it apart and be unable to reassemble it without fixings. Newton had in fact died over 20 years before the bridge was built, so the story doesn't hold up, but it's repeated by nearly every punt guide on the river regardless.
The bridge is actually held together with a fairly ordinary combination of bolted and pegged timber joints, and its geometric truss design is what gives it a self-supporting appearance from certain angles, which is likely the origin of the myth. It's best seen either from a punt passing underneath or from the public footpath on Silver Street, since crossing it requires access to the college itself.
A five-minute look is enough unless you're taking a punt tour that passes beneath it as part of a longer river route.
Mathematical Bridge FAQs
No, this is a popular myth. It has always used bolted and pegged joints; the widely repeated story crediting Isaac Newton is false since he died over two decades before the bridge was built.
Only if you have access to Queens' College, since the bridge is within the college grounds; the public can view it from the riverside path or from a punt below.
From the public footpath on Silver Street, or from a punt tour on the River Cam, both of which pass right by or under the bridge.
The current bridge dates to 1905, a faithful rebuild of the original 1749 design by James Essex.
Yes, viewing it from Silver Street or the riverside is free; only entering Queens' College to cross it requires a ticket.
Reviews/Comments
No comments yet — be the first.