The Holborn Viaduct was built in 1869 to span the length of the old Fleet River and work was put in to make the bridge not just a necessity of infrastructure, but an artful piece of city design. It was painted in red and gold and adorned with statues. The four statues of women standing at either end of the viaduct represent Agriculture, Commerce, Science, and Fine Art.
When the viaduct was officially unveiled in a ceremony lead by Queen Victoria in November of 1869, it captured the imaginations of people from all walks of life and was praised as an impressive feat of engineering. It was reportedly a beautiful day with clear sunny skies.
I threw that last bit in because we're talking about the unveiling of a bloody viaduct here, and I'm conscious your attention may be wandering.
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