The bridge is painted predominantly green, the same colour as the leather seats in the House of Commons which is on the side of the Palace of Westminster nearest to the bridge, but a natural shade similar to verdigris.

[1] In 2005–2007, it underwent a complete refurbishment, including replacing the iron fascias and repainting the whole bridge.

However an intervening bridge (albeit in timber) was built at Putney in 1729 and the scheme received parliamentary approval in 1736.

Financed by private capital, lotteries and grants, Westminster Bridge was built between 1739–1750, under the supervision of the Swiss engineer Charles Labelye.

The bridge assisted the expanding West End to the developing South London as well as goods and carriages from the more estuarine counties and the East Sussex and Kentish ports.

Five people – three pedestrians, one police officer, and the attacker – died as a result of the incident.