Despite a common myth, the bridge was never built without nuts, bolts, or screws; it has always used fasteners to secure its joints.
The design is not actually a true mathematical arch, but a series of straight beams arranged in a tangential pattern.
It is the only wooden bridge of its type in England.
The bridge was specifically commissioned to allow students and staff to cross between the college's two banks without leaving college property.
The current structure is the third iteration, built to the exact design specifications of the original 1749 bridge.
The Mathematical Bridge is a wooden footbridge at Queens' College, Cambridge, famously illustrating a self-supporting geometric design. Officially named the Wooden Bridge, it was designed by William Etheridge and built by James Essex in 1749. The structure utilizes a series of tangents and radials that create the appearance of an arch while using straight timbers. It was reconstructed in 1866 and 1905, maintaining its original 18th-century appearance. The bridge crosses the River Cam, connecting the original college buildings with the newer riverside developments. It serves as a private passage for college members, though it is visible to the public. As of July 2026, the bridge remains a standard feature of the collegiate landscape.
From the river bank on Silver Street or from a rented punt directly beneath the bridge.
View the bridge from a punt on the River Cam for the best perspective of its structural geometry.
Visit the Mill Lane area for the most accessible public vantage point from the riverbank.
Check the official Queens' College website before arriving, as access to the college grounds for visitors is subject to seasonal changes and private events.
Do not attempt to cross the bridge unless you are a member of Queens' College or on an official guided tour, as it is a private access point.
Access to the college grounds is subject to temporary closures during exam periods or private college functions.
Visitors must respect college signage, as parts of the college are private property; remain on marked visitor paths.
