Seven London bridges have been listed by culture secretary, Andy Burnham, following advice from English Heritage (EH).

Three of the bridges which span the river Thames – Chelsea, Lambeth and Richmond railway bridges – have been awarded Grade II status, while Cremorne, Hammersmith, Twickenham and Vauxhall bridges have become, or upgraded to, Grade II* status. The bridges listed represent more than 140 years of history, with the oldest – Cremorne – having first opened in 1863. The newest bridge out of the seven to be listed is Chelsea Bridge, first opened in 1937.

Burnham said: "Bridges have straddled the Thames for centuries. In fact, there is evidence of structures across the river dating as far back as 1500BC. "These seven examples represent the very best of Britain's bridge-building heritage; from one of the first modern suspension bridges in the world to Britain's only example of sculpture on a river crossing."

EH's chief executive, Simon Thurley, said: "Considering their architectural and historic contribution to the capital, a surprising number of these magnificent river crossings do not have statutory protection."