Foundation stone

In 1760, Robert Mylne, a young Scottish architect, won the competition to design a new bridge at Blackfriars. Constructed out of Portland Stone, the bridge's design was controversial with its semi-elliptical rather semi-circular arches. The foundation stone of the first pier was laid by Sir Robert Ladbroke who was a prominent banker, Member of Parliament for London and City of London dignatory. He had been Lord Mayor of the City in 1747.

The foundation stone is inscribed "On the 13th Day of June 1761 in the first year of the reign of King George the Third the first stone of this the first Pier was laid by Sir Robert Ladbroke Knt and President of the Honorable Committee for carrying this Bridge into Execution. Robert Mylne Architect Joseph Dixon Mason". Stone bridges owed much to the skill of the architect and the mason.

The bridge was initially called Pitt Bridge, after the politician William Pitt, the Elder. Another foundation tablet, made out of tin, also in the Museum's collection, refers to Pitt as having 'secured the British Empire in Asia, Africa, and America'. Later, the bridge became known as Blackfriars Bridge. Most Thames bridges are named after a locality rather than a person.