This is a rare image from around 1865 of the bridge that was constructed over "The Falls". Taken from the south bank of the Yarra, looking north-east. The image was part of a stereograph, and both images have been merged by HotPress Images to create one image. The Falls (since removed in 1883) consisted of a natural low basalt wall that had existed for tens of thousands of years that in normal situations would keep the Yarra's fresh water separated from the salty water of the lower parts of the Yarra River. This area was used by the indigenous peoples to catch fish and was also used as a somewhat dangerous, natural footbridge to cross between the north and south banks of the river. John Batman (Melbourne's founder) came to this area in 1835, searching for a suitable location to establish a village and farming in the area. He knew of the existence of the Falls, because he had studied the maps produced by Matthew Flinders and Charles Grimes in 1803, and when he left Launceston he knew what he was looking for and where to find it. He realised that his plan for a settlement needed fresh water, and the pool of water formed by the Falls provided that essential element. Once he arrived at the Falls he pronounced "This will be the place for a village". A new bridge (apart from the original Princes Bridge, built in 1850) that allowed movement across the Yarra was deemed necessary for many years since then, but arguments went back and forth about exactly where it should be located, and the options included a Spencer Street Bridge, a King Street Bridge, and a Falls Bridge. A final decision for a bridge at this location was officially presented in 1856, and it was proposed as the "Moray Street Bridge", which would allow traffic to pass from Queens Street through to Moray Street (which at the time was a main road to the south). However, disputes between the railway owners and the council hindered any progress until 1860, when later that year the bridge was constructed and given the name "Queen's Bridge". Most people at the time had been referring to it for many years prior to its construction as the "Falls Bridge". The bridge and the Falls were both removed in 1883 as part of a major infrastructure upgrade in the area, which involved widening and realignment of the Yarra. Queens Bridge was built where the Falls were, and opened in 1890. It saw to be another 40 years before Spencer Street Bridge was built. More images and information about the Falls can be found in our Falls collection. Notes from the State Library tell us that this image is a "View of a bridge crossing the Yarra River. A man is standing on the bridge and there are buildings visible in the distance. An anchor and chain can be seen in the foreground.". Photograph attributed to John Jones (1817-1872). This is a digitally retouched reproduction of the original held by the State Library of Victoria. Our team of conservators have worked on a high resolution digital image in order to remove age-related blemishes caused by the handling and storage of the original. We strive to provide authentic representations of the original work that are suitable for enlargements that retain the tones and character of the original.
