Queens' Rhapsody

Mathematical Bridge, originally uploaded by Neorelix.

Still at Queens' (as you can tell from the title which is the same as yesterday's because for some weird reason I can't change it...). This, the unofficially named Mathematical Bridge (1749), is definitely the most photographed bridge in town. There's a story that it was designed by Newton and that it needed no bolts to hold it together but that when it needed refurbishing (1866, 1905) the college took it down and then couldn't put it back together again. Which is why it is held together by nuts and bolts today. Very entertaining and utter poppycock. There's a slightly indignant tone to the bridge's history page and a distinct lack of humour on the subject... The two salient points to note are that Newton died in 1727 and that the original bridge was held together by coach screws and spikes . Mind you, the college authorities DID decide to build this the other side of the bridge, directly opposite the oldest building on the river in Cambridge. Anyway, you can enjoy the view of both from a punt as you take a peaceful trip along this delightfully deserted part of the river...