SO where is it then? For yonks I've been familiar with the placename Gerards Bridge, a homely old quarter which became victim of much bulldozing a few decades ago and which was once largely populated by families with distinctly Irish names.

Lord Gerard was undoubtedly responsible for the first part of its title. But where is (or was) the bridge which presumably gave the area its ancient point of reference?

The railway bridge close to Haresfinch Social Club surely can't qualify. It's too far from the generally-accepted boundary of the old terraced settlement (just off College Street) to qualify.

This yedscratting subject came up while I was enjoying a gentle slurp with a few veteran Gerards Bridgers, none of whom could recall any bridge having been there during their own lifetime.

H SO, can any others among our erudite readers come up with some enlightenment? If so, please drop me a line at the Star.