Temple Footbridge
Bridge in Hurley, Berkshire From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Temple Footbridge is a pedestrian only bridge near Hurley, Berkshire across the River Thames in England. It connects the Buckinghamshire and Berkshire banks. It crosses the Thames just above Temple Lock.
Temple Footbridge | |
|---|---|
 Temple Footbridge from near Temple Lock | |
| Coordinates | 51°33′07″N 0°47′49″W |
| Carries | Thames Path |
| Crosses | River Thames |
| Locale | Hurley, Berkshire |
| Characteristics | |
| Material | Wood |
| Total length | 88 yards (80 m) |
| Height | 21 feet 3 inches (6.48 m)[1] |
| No. of spans | 1 |
| History | |
| Opened | 1989 |
| Location | |
 | |
The bridge was built in 1989[2] specifically for walkers on the Thames Path. Previously walkers on the Thames Path had been required to take a detour away from the river bank along a road through Bisham and Marlow. The bridge was opened by Lord Hesketh on 24 May 1989,[3][4] following a campaign by Margaret Bowdery, a local advocate of access to open spaces and improvements to footpaths.[5] As part of the campaign for the construction of the bridge she ran a "Golden Boot" appeal and raised over £2000 towards its construction.[6] Formerly there was a ferry at this point which took the towpath across the river when it was used for towing barges.[7] The ferry ceased operation in 1953.[8]
The name "Temple" comes from Temple Mill Island which was owned by the Knights Templar and the site of a mill,[7] which was used to create copper sheets used in the construction of ships for the Royal Navy.[8] The mill had a large water wheel to drive the milling machinery.[9]
In May 2019 the bridge was declared unsafe and closed to pedestrians. It was repaired and reopened in June of the same year.[10][11]
On 15 May 2023, the bridge was closed due to some of the deck boards degrading faster than expected.[12] In September 2023, the Environment Agency reported that immediate repairs are not possible and the bridge will remain closed for an extended time.[13]
It is a haunched girder bridge with a wooden deck.[2] At 150 feet (46 m), it is the longest hardwood bridge in Britain.[14][15][16] The centre of the bridge gives a height of 6.51 metres (21.4 ft) above the water allowing the passage of a range of vessels.[1]
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