ONE OF Reading’s bridges is set to mark a milestone this month with a celebratory event held by residents.
The Caversham and District Residents Association (CADRA) is celebrating the centenary of the current Caversham Bridge as it turns 100-years-old.
The bridge as it stands was opened by the then Prince of Wales on June 26, 1926–however there are written references to a bridge at the site dating back to 1231.
The earliest depictions of the bridge date back to the late 18th Century, including an illustration by Samuel Ireland.
During the Civil war in October 1642, King Charles I intended to march across the bridge to Reading, but a section had been removed by Parliamentarians.
At one time, it had been entirely replaced with an iron bridge, but by the early 1900s, The Reading Extension Order led to plans for a new reinforced concrete bridge.
A new booklet by CADRA is set to explore the history of the bridge in its current iteration, as well as earlier bridges, and the changes which have been made to it since it was built.
The booklet was compiled of research by CADRA President Helen Lambert, with help from Paul Matthews, and design by Anke Ueberberg.
There will also be a guest blog created in partnership with Reading Museum.
Select residents will convene at the bridge to mark the milestone with a celebratory cake cutting and a toast to the historic bridge alongside councillors and representatives from local organisations.
Caversham Bridge is the second bridge in Reading to mark a century in recent years, after Reading Bridge turned 100 years old back in 2023.
Writing for the opening of the bridge 100 years ago, A.L.Humphreys, a good friend of Oscar Wilde said: “In a pageant of Caversham the historic bridge would of necessity play a chief part; in a pageant of the whole nation’s history, it would well deserve a place.”
Helen Lambert, CADRA President said: “It has been fascinating to go behind the scenes in our libraries, museums and archives, gathering material and images for the booklet and we are very grateful for all the support and encouragement.
“Again, we collaborated with local designer Anke Ueberberg who has done an excellent job in bringing it all together in stylish fashion.”
Nick Haskins, CADRA Chair said: We are very grateful to Helen for all her hard work uncovering so much interesting information for the booklet and to Anke for the innovative design.
“The different bridges at this crossing point have always been the historic gateway to Caversham and there are so many stories to tell.
“The construction of the existing bridge was itself a considerable feat of engineering, helped by the latest techniques and some notable specialists of the time.
“Today, it forms part of St Peters Conservation Area.”
As the initial launch run of the CADRA booklet sold out, a new run of copies is now available via Fourbears Books.
