Mathematical Bridge
Mathematical Bridge is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Cambridge audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~15 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type bridge
- Suggested visit ~15 min
- Cambridge Cambridge guide
About Mathematical Bridge
A famous wooden footbridge at Queens' College that appears to form an arch but is built entirely from straight timbers.
The Mathematical Bridge is a wooden footbridge crossing the River Cam at Queens' College. Designed by William Etheridge and built by James Essex in 1749, it is an engineering marvel that creates a curved arch using only straight timbers arranged in a tangential truss pattern. The current bridge is a 1905 reconstruction of the original design.
Did you know? Despite the famous legend, Isaac Newton did not design the bridge, he died 22 years before it was built in 1749.
How long should you spend at Mathematical Bridge?
Plan about ~15 min at Mathematical Bridge. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Mathematical Bridge worth visiting?
Mathematical Bridge is one of the 12 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Cambridge, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Cambridge
Hear the story of Mathematical Bridge
Preview the Cambridge tour free in the Gingerguide app.