London Bridge Past and Present
The first bridge across the River Thames
Introduction
Since the Roman times, four bridges have been named London Bridge. We’re going to learn some intriguing facts about how arches affect the flow of water, what London Bridge has to do with us driving on the left in the UK and how today’s predecessor ended up in Arizona, USA.
London Bridge present
Opened in 1973, London Bridge is a perfectly functional, yet boring and dull-looking, bridge (main picture above).
It provides access from Southwark on the south side to the City of London on the north side.
There’s little to boast about the modern bridge itself.
London Bridge past
When the Romans came to London, they built the first bridge across the River Thames. Made of wood, it didn’t survive the ravages of time.
By 1136, the bridge had been damaged by eight fires. So a new bridge had to be built; this time it was one of stone. Taking about 30 years to build, it was completed in 1206 and survived for over 600 years.
On a recent visit to Kenwood House in north London, I saw the most amazing painting of that bridge. I’m no art enthusiast but this painting…
