The Long History and Many Spanning Structures of London Bridge

London Bridge has a rich and fascinating history that spans over two millennia, with its origins dating back to the Roman occupation of Britain. Throughout its existence, it has seen multiple iterations, each designed to withstand the tests of time and changing circumstances.

Early Beginnings in Roman Times

The first bridge in the area of the modern London Bridge wouldn’t have been called London Bridge. Initially, the town was known as Londinium during the Roman occupation, when the bridge likely predates the town itself. The town grew to provide services to the soldiers in the garrison at the fort, which was constructed to protect and control the Roman bridge. Later, Londinium became the capital of the province due to its strategic location, being the only crossing of the Thames for miles upstream, and its natural harbor, making it a major trade choke point for tax collection.

There might even have been a pre-Roman bridge on the approximate site, as archaeologists have uncovered pre-Roman pilings in the riverbed. However, the precise nature of this structure—whether a bridge, pier, weir, or some other form of construction—is still debated.

Evolution Through the Ages

Several bridges have spanned the Thames River in the area, each with its own unique history and challenges.

Roman Pontoon Bridge (30 AD)

The first recorded bridge over the Thames in the area was a pontoon bridge built by the Romans around 30 AD. Over time, this was replaced with a wooden bridge in about 50 AD.

Alfred the Great's Wooden Bridge (878 AD)

In 878 AD, Alfred the Great built a wooden bridge that lasted until 1014 when it was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt only to be destroyed again by a tornado in 1091. The bridge was rebuilt one more time only to burn down in 1136.

William I's Wooden Bridge (1066 AD)

William I had a wooden bridge built in 1066. This bridge was renovated and used until 1163 when it also burned down. The wooden bridge was rebuilt once more before burning down in 1163 yet again.

Stone Bridge (1176 AD)

The last wooden bridge was built in 1163 and was quickly replaced by a stone bridge. Construction of the new stone bridge began in 1176 and it opened in 1206. This structure of London Bridge remained in place for over six centuries, standing until 1831. This bridge is the one famously referenced in the nursery rhyme, London Bridge is Falling Down.

New London Bridge (1831 AD)

The New London Bridge, erected in 1831, had a much shorter lifespan. It was in use until 1967. During this time, the bridge became a symbol of London and was preserved as a historical monument. In 1967, the bridge was sold and dismantled stone by stone. It was later reassembled in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, being used as a tourist attraction.

Modern London Bridge (1967 AD)

The current London Bridge, made of steel, was built in 1967 and remains in use today, providing a vital link between two parts of London.

Conclusion

This question doesn’t really have a straightforward answer, as the history of London Bridge is a testament to the enduring presence of infrastructure in a city that has seen countless changes. The first significant structure can be attributed to the Romans, around 2000 years ago. Each subsequent iteration has played a vital role in the development and evolution of London as a city.