Name: Crossing the Thames at Caversham
Start: 2025-09-13T13:30:00+01:00
End: 2025-09-13T14:15:00+01:00
Location: Caversham Baptist Church

Caversham Bridge will celebrate its centenary in 2026. The bridge is at an established crossing point and replaced earlier bridges dating back to the 13th century. The crossing was of national importance, receiving support from Kings and Queens and often a source of conflict. Crossing in Lower Caversham was always more difficult with a treacherous foot crossing. The final solution after the boundary change in 1911, was to create a new crossing point, Reading Bridge, using new materials and techniques to create what was in 1923 the longest single span in the UK. The Caversham and District Residents Association (CADRA) has amassed a wealth of material and images over a series of heritage projects. Helen Lambert, CADRA President, will draw from these images to tell the story of the two bridges.
This is the first of three talks in the church on the afternoon of 13th September as part of the Heritage Open Days programme for 2025. Donations towards the cost of the venue would be welcome. Some local publications will be available for sale by cash or card.