Coal Tax post and narrow bridge, Maiden Lane, Crayford

Image: © Marathon Taken: 27 Feb 2011

On the right of the photograph in its setting can be seen one of the City of London Coal Tax posts. Coal Tax posts were marker posts, first erected in 1851 and forming a rough circle about twenty miles from the centre of London to mark the points where taxes on coal and wine due to the Corporation of London had to be paid. Of the original 250 or so, approximately 200 have survived. The bridge itself is not the easiest bridge for cars to negotiate, but they usually manage. Never widened since it was built and the twist in the road underneath not helping, vehicles have to approach almost up to it before checking the way ahead is clear or giving way.

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