The oldest known wrought iron bridge in the province, Blackfriars Bridge was built in 1875 to replace a wooden structure. It was designed and fabricated by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio and assembled locally. Wrought iron was renowned for its qualities of strength and malleability and its resistance to corrosion before the use of steel became common. A fine example of truss construction, the bowstring arch bridge supports a suspended roadway that spans 65.8 metres. Although reinforced since erected to ensure structural stability, Blackfriars Bridge retains its original graceful form.

Location

On the east side of the Thames River on Ridout Street North in London, Ontario

Themes

• Buildings and structures
• Transportation systems and communications