the blackfriars bridge was manufactured by the wrought iron bridge company (wibc) of canton, ohio, although erected by local london contractor isaac crouse. there is evidence for its being prototypical for a revised design by wibc, incorporating a double-panel web. the bridge is the successor to a series of fixed, wooden structures at the site since 1831, which were damaged mainly by spring freshets of the river. it has been designated a historic structure under part iv of the "ontario heritage act". it is the northernmost and oldest of a company of eight bridges of different ages, constructions and uses, surrounding the confluence of the north thames and thames rivers, which fixes the historic center of london. the bridge is sited at the east end of a short blackfriars street, which turns sharply south and up a slight grade, as the downtown ridout street, upon crossing it. to the bridge's west is the lower ground of the previous town of petersville, protected by an extensive dike embankment, due to a history of flooding; to its east a terrace rises above the north thames river to central london. the river there is bordered on both sides by extensive bicycle and walking paths, and the bridge is well framed by a variety of second-growth trees.