Westminster Bridge from the River, looking South

Built between 1739 and 1750, Westminster Bridge was the first stone bridge to be built over the Thames since the construction of London Bridge in the 12th century. It was a major architectural and engineering achievement, with fifteen arches spanning the river. Days before its official opening, an impatient crowd attempted to cross the bridge and had to be restrained by a troop of guards. This picture is one of many views of the bridge produced during the 18th century. The view is to the south, looking towards Camberwell and Dulwich, the hills of which can be seen - in rather exaggerated form - in the left distance.