Did you know Budapest’s Chain Bridge has a twin in England?
Most Hungarians proudly know every curve and lion of the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge — but far fewer realise that there is a Chain Bridge in England that looks almost exactly like its Budapest sibling. Although it lacks the famous stone lions, its elegant structure is unmistakably familiar.
A Twin Born Earlier: The Chain Bridge in Marlow, England
The Chain Bridge in England stands in the picturesque town of Marlow and is, in fact, the older sibling. Designed by the same engineer, William Tierney Clark, the Marlow Suspension Bridge was inaugurated in 1832, seventeen years before Budapest unveiled its own Chain Bridge in November 1849.
Despite its smaller scale — just 72 meters long compared to Budapest’s 375 meters — the resemblance is impossible to miss.
Two Bridges, One Vision: Design Similarities and Differences
Both bridges share the same elegant suspension-bridge principles and architectural harmony. One spans the River Thames, the other the Danube — yet their silhouettes are almost mirror images.
However, each has its own story:
Marlow Suspension Bridge
- Built to replace an older wooden bridge that collapsed.
- Features white chains and simple suspension cables.
- More minimalist and clean in design.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest
- Destroyed by retreating German forces in WWII and rebuilt after the war.
- Richly decorated, featuring its world-famous lion statues.
- More monumental and patinated, matching Budapest’s grand architectural style.
Cultural Symbols and Surviving Legacy
According to Marlowtown.co.uk, out of the four suspension bridges designed by Tierney Clark, only the Marlow Suspension Bridge and the Budapest Chain Bridge still stand today. This makes the shared heritage even more remarkable.
Both cities proudly commemorate this architectural siblinghood:
- In Budapest, a plaque at the Chain Bridge honours its connection to Marlow.
- In Marlow, a similar plaque celebrates the bridge’s Hungarian twin.
These commemorative plaques were jointly unveiled on 26 September 1996 by Hungarian Ambassador Tádé Alföldy, symbolising cultural friendship across borders.
Why the Chain Bridge in England Deserves More Attention
While Budapest’s iconic bridge attracts millions of tourists, the Chain Bridge in England remains a hidden gem — but one worth discovering.
For travellers exploring the Thames Valley, Marlow’s historic suspension bridge offers a unique opportunity to see where the Budapest masterpiece found its inspiration.
Photo Gallery
Photos: Daily News Hungary
Source: https://www.femcafe.hu/