The Royal Fine Arts Commission have issued their Report on
the proposed St. Paul's Bridge. They dis- approve of the proposal because the bridge would not serve any adequate purpose in a better traffic scheme, and because architecturally it would be in a very unsatis- factory position in relation to St. Paul's Cathedral. But they point out that all such considerations are rendered comparatively irrelevant by the fact that a new bridge just there would be a very serious threat to the stability of the Cathedral. The piers of the Cathedral dome are known-to be in a precarious condition, and the Commission declare that until the fabric is secured the taking of every unnecessary risk should be avoided. A St. Paul's Bridge would: add " a fresh source of vibration at the eastern end." Even as it is, the Commission take such a grave view of the condition of St. Paul's, that they " earnestly beg " that immediate attention may be given to this aspect of the problem. " Further shaking of the Cathedral fabric," they say, " may lead to a catastrophe."
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