City Bridge Foundation

City of London Heritage Gallery Exhibition: City Bridge Foundation

City Bridge Foundation is a historic charity whose origins date back to the twelfth century. Originally known as Bridge House Estates, a name which reflected the use of the term ‘Bridge House’ for the administrative headquarters on Tooley Street, Southwark. These were the offices, gardens and warehouses which were used to keep the huge quantities of supplies needed to maintain the first stone London Bridge. The charity acquired funds for its work from bequests by pious Londoners, gifts of land and property as well as from rental income from the houses that were built on London Bridge.

Today the charity is responsible for the upkeep of not only London Bridge but also Blackfriars Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge. Since 1995 they have also invested income into charitable causes across London.

On display:

Origins of City Bridge Foundation

On display is a small document granting a shop to London Bridge in c.1215 by Alice. Attached is the seal of Alice which depicts a lady wearing a long flowing dress and mantle, with a bird.

It was the responsibility of the Bridgemasters and Clerk of Works who were based at the Bridge House in Tooley Street to maintain the accounts. Discover a particularly fine volume of annual accounts and rentals dating 1484 – 1509, compiled by John Normanvyle, the entries are highly ornate.

Also to be seen are three trade cards from individuals who were amongst the last tenants of houses situated on London Bridge.

Estate Management

View a pen and wash map on parchment surveyed and made by William Leybourn. This highly decorative item is notable not only for its clear depiction of an area known as Battle Bridge Mills (Southwark) but also for the drawing of the ‘Bridge House’ mark. This is believed to be the first depiction of the mark in its modern form.

The mark was used by the Bridgemasters to mark land, property and possessions belonging to the bridge. The mark can also be seen on a plan of St. George’s Fields where it is used to show which plots of land in the area were property of the Bridge House.

Modern Governance

On 1 June 2023 the charity obtained a supplemental Royal Charter. This is the fourth charter granted to the charity and will allow for the modernisation of the charity’s governance as well as enabling them to maximise the impact of the funds it manages.

This charter is decorated with images of the five city bridges. The charter was signed by King Charles III. However, as the charter was granted to the charity by Queen Elizabeth II it is her image which is depicted on the seal.

The City Heritage Gallery is located within Guildhall Art Gallery. We recommend that you book a free general admission ticket to gain entry to the Heritage Gallery.