[Picture: Westminster Bridge]
Is admired both for the grandeur and simplicity which are united in its
several parts. Henry, Earl of Pembroke, promoted the erection of this
bridge, and laid the first stone, in the beginning of the year 1739. It
has thirteen arches, exclusive of a very small one at each end. The
foundation is laid on a solid bed of gravel, and the piers are solid
blocks of Portland stone, uniting strength with neatness. It was eight
years and three quarters in completing, and cost £389,500 being more than
double the cost of Blackfriars’. Westminster Bridge was opened for
carriages about midnight, by a procession of gentlemen, the chief
artificers, and a multitude of spectators. The architect was not a
native of this country: his name was Labelye.
Not far from the bridge, in old Palace Yard, stands Westminster Hall.