The Bridgemasters of London – 850 Years of Engineering, Ceremony and Scandal

The role of Bridgemaster originated in 1176 to oversee the construction of Old London Bridge and the management of its properties, accounts and ceremonies. Over the centuries, the office and responsibilities evolved but the position was often marred by financial fraud, election manipulation and negligence. This lecture by Sue Threader, one of the two current Bridgemasters will give a fascinating insight into one of the most ancient appointments in civic society and bridge engineering, with tales of scandal and controversy and an insight into the Bridgemasters’ modern role of promoting the charitable work of the City Bridge Foundation, the charity which owns and operates Tower Bridge and four other Thames bridges. There ​shall also be news on local Peterborough Bridges.

Biography

Sue Threader is a chartered engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers with senior-level experience in the public, private and charity sectors. She was the first woman and first engineer in its 625-year history to be appointed Chief Executive of the medieval Rochester Bridge Trust. 

Sue is a Board Member of the City Bridge Foundation, another medieval charity, which looks after five bridges over the River Thames and has made grants for the benefit of Londoners totalling £0.75 billion over the past 30 years. She is one of the two elected Bridgemasters of London.

She is the author of books for children about bridge building and has appeared in TV documentaries. She is a member of the ICE Archives Panel, Liveryman and member of the Court of the Worshipful Company of Engineers and has been a finalist in the national Charity Chief Executive of the Year Awards three times.

Event Details

Doors Open at 6:30PM
From 6:30PM to 8:00PM