London Bridge Alcove

One of London Bridge’s four surviving 18^th century alcoves has been unveiled at Courtlands Estate in Richmond after restoration work.

When old London Bridge was rebuilt in1831, two of its pedestrian stone alcoves and balustrading were bought and relocated to Richmond by the Hon Heneage Legge, son of the 3rd Earl of Dartmouth, for his home, Stawell House. One was lost when Stawell House was demolished in 1938.

The alcove was in poor condition and restoration involved poulticing and repointing the open joints with lime mortar. Damaged stonework was repaired and an interpretation panel erected.

Local young people were involved with the project through the restoration, meeting the stonemasons at work, as part of our Proud Places programme, and local families turned out for the unveiling.

The project was completed with support from the Wates Family Enterprise Trust.