Workers activate ancient bylaw during bridge construction.
The Millennium Bridge: A Modern Bridge with Ancient Traditions
The Millennium Bridge, which spans London’s Thames River, has a fascinating new addition that not only serves a practical purpose but also offers a cultural lesson. According to the City Bridge Foundation, an organization with a history dating back to the 12th century, construction work on the bridge has triggered an ancient bylaw. This bylaw requires workers to hang a bundle of straw from the bridge to warn shipping traffic of ongoing work.
The foundation recently shared photos on social media of a contractor lowering the bundle of straw, accompanied by an explanation and celebration of this ancient practice. The City Bridge Foundation stated, “In accordance with ancient tradition (and the Port of London Thames Byelaws), a bundle of straw is dangled from Millennium Bridge to warn shipping of work under the bridge (we’re not making this up, honest).”
In accordance with ancient tradition (and the Port of London Thames Byelaws) a bundle of straw is dangled from Millennium Bridge to warn shipping of work under the bridge (we’re not making this up, honest). Robert, from our rope access contractor CAN Ltd, does the honours. pic.twitter.com/UDEFfFsMLk
— City Bridge Foundation (@CityBridgeFndn) October 17, 2023
Later, the foundation highlighted its own role and extensive history, stating, “Modern bridge, ancient traditions. Our charity’s been around for 900 years now, in one form or another. We’ve been bridging London for a long, long time.”
Modern bridge, ancient traditions. Our charity’s been around for 900 years now, in one form or another. We’ve been bridging London for a long, long time. https://t.co/axGYIXbz5N
— City Bridge Foundation (@CityBridgeFndn) October 17, 2023
According to City A.M., Londoners can expect to see the bundle of straw hanging from the Millennium Bridge until early November. The City Bridge Foundation explained that this quirky tradition serves a practical purpose by warning shipping when the headroom under the bridge is reduced.
This tradition is codified in the Port of London Thames Bylaws, 36.2, which states that when the headroom of a bridge is reduced but still open to navigation, a bundle of straw must be suspended from the center of the bridge during the day and a white light at night.
The City Bridge Foundation, which has existed continuously since 1112, also owns and manages London’s famous Tower Bridge.
These ancient traditions and historical landmarks remind us of the deep cultural identity and shared historical memories that connect people across time. They serve as a meaningful source of identity and should not be dismissed or forgotten.
As we witness the rapid changes and diverse demographics in Western societies, it is important to appreciate and preserve these unifying factors. Even something as simple as a bundle of straw can carry profound meaning and remind us of the values and traditions that shape our cultural identity.
Let us not underestimate the power of history and tradition in maintaining a healthy and cohesive society.
Would you ever visit the United Kingdom?
The bundle of straw dangling from the Millennium Bridge is a reminder of the significance of historical memories and cultural identity. It serves as a symbol of the deep connections that span across time and should not be dismissed. Let us cherish and preserve these unifying factors as we navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world.
The post Workers Trigger Ancient Bylaw While Working on Modern Bridge appeared first on The Western Journal.
What is the practical purpose of hanging a bundle of straw from the Millennium Bridge in London?
;display: inline-block; background-color: #00ff00; padding: 5px; border-radius: 5px; text-align: center;”>Yes: 75%
