Booklet celebrates centenary of Caversham Bridge
The Thames crossing in Reading was opened on 25 June 1926
Last updated 20th Jun 2026
The Caversham and District Residents Association has produced a booklet to mark the centenary of the opening of Caversham bridge which was opened by the then Prince of Wales on 25 June 1926.
The booklet tells the story of the earlier bridges, the construction 100 years ago and the changes around the bridge.
The small booklet brings together images and plans gathered from museum and library collections and original plans held in the Royal Berkshire Archives. It tells the story of the early bridge dating back to 1231, the iron bridge which lasted less than 60 years and how the current bridge came to be built.
The research was completed by Helen Lambert, CADRA President, assisted by Paul Matthews. Design is by Anke Ueberberg, a local designer.
Fascinating
Helen Lambert, CADRA President said: "It has been fascinating to go behind the scenes in our libraries, museums and archives, gathering material and images for the booklet and we are very grateful for all the support and encouragements. Again, we collaborated with local designer Anke Ueberberg who has done an excellent job in bringing it all together in stylish fashion."
Gateway
Nick Haskins, CADRA Chair said: "We are very grateful to Helen for all her hard work uncovering so much interesting information for the booklet and to Anke for the innovative design. The different bridges at this crossing point have always been the historic gateway to Caversham and there are so many stories to tell. The construction of the existing bridge was itself a considerable feat of engineering, helped by the latest techniques and some notable specialists of the time. Today, it forms part of St Peters Conservation Area."