The History of London Bridge

London Bridge’s history is a long and complex one, extending back over two thousand years. This enduring structure has witnessed countless historical events and has been rebuilt numerous times, making it a key landmark in London’s rich tapestry.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of London Bridge and learn some of the most interesting facts about this iconic London landmark. So if you’re planning on visiting London or taking a walk over London Bridge, be sure to read on!

When was London Bridge built?

The first crossing at London Bridge is thought to be a wooden pontoon built by the Romans around 43 AD. It is likely to have been constructed using planks laid across anchored boats. The Romans developed quays and warehouses on the north bank of the Thames, enabling them to load and unload cargo and turning Londinium into a trading hub. The crossing at this point allowed goods to flow freely from ports in Kent to the newly proclaimed capital of Britannia, Camulodunum which is now known as Colchester.

Roman rule ended in Britain around the year 409, the bridge and buildings fell into disrepair. For the next 200 years there is very little information about the dwindling settlement of London but records show that by 600 AD London was in Saxon hands and had become a major trading centre again. Over the next few centuries a settlement called Lundenwic grew up outside the boundaries of the old Roman city.

As the settlements on the north bank grew, wooden fixed bridges were built and destroyed by Danish invasions. Around the year 990 AD a bridge was built during Ethelred the Unready’s rule. However, this wooden bridge was short-lived, as Viking invaders, led by King Olaf Haraldsson, attacked the British Isles in 1014 and tore the bridge down.  The last wooden bridge is thought to have been built in 1163 by Peter of Colechurch.

The First Stone Bridge

Peter Colechurch was commisioned by Henry II to build a new stone bridge to replace the old wooden bridge. Building work commenced in 1176 and the bridge was finished in 1209. The bridge was 16 feet wide, 926 feet long and included a wooden drawbridge in the middle to help with river traffic and to stop invaders.

Many residents and merchants started to build and trade on the new stone bridge, which eventually meant the bridge was covered with stores and dwellings. Sadly, these cramped conditions spelt disaster in 1212, as a fire broke out on either side of the bridge, trapping many people on it.

Another fire broke out in 1623 that burned down many houses and stores. Due to the dilapidation of the bridge, and the damage from fires, merchants eventually left it and traded elsewhere. Eventually, by 1657, all the houses and stores were torn down and the old London Bridge was widened and partly rebuilt.

Over the years, the bridge needed many repairs, due to structural damage and fires, but it still survived for 600 years!

“New” London Bridge

In 1821, a government-appointed committee decided that a new bridge needed to be built and in 1824, plans drawn up by Scottish civil engineer, John Rennie were accepted.

The new bridge was to be built 100 feet west of the old bridge along the River Thames and would measure 928 feet long and 49 feet wide. The first stone was laid in 1825 and was open to the public in 1831.

The new London Bridge was a great success and lasted for 140 years, however, due to the increase in traffic, and an increase in commuters using the bridge, in 1962 engineers discovered that the bridge was starting to sink! Not so much of a success then!

Modern London Bridge

The current London Bridge was built between 1968 and 1972 and was built directly over the foundations of the old bridge. As the bridge was an important and busy river crossing, its construction was arranged in such a way as to not disturb busy traffic.

London Bridge may not be as awe-inspiring as its neighbour to the east, Tower Bridge, but its influence and history have cemented it as one of the most important bridges in London.

A Timeline of Central London’s Bridges

• London Bridge – 1209
• Westminster Bridge – 1750
• Battersea Bridge -1771
• Vauxhall Bridge – 1816 (Previously called Regent Bridge)
• Waterloo Bridge – 1817
• Blackfriars Bridge – 1869
• Tower Bridge – 1894
• Millennium Bridge – 2000

What happened to the London Bridge?

In 1968, American entrepreneur Robert Paxton McCulloch bought the London Bridge for £1.02 million. Between 1968 and 1971, the bridge was dismantled and shipped to Lake Havasu City in Arizona, where it was reconstructed as a tourist attraction. In the middle of the Colorado River, 155 miles south of Hoover Dam, the New London Bridge crosses Lake Havasu behind Parker Dam.

Grisly History of London Bridge

For readers with a weak stomach, you might want to skip this part! You have been warned!

Between, 1305 – 1660 severed heads of traitors were displayed on the southern gateway of London Bridge. These heads were impaled on spikes and dipped in tar to ensure they would survive the weather!

There were many famous heads put on display on London Bridge, including William Wallis, Sir Thomas More, and Oliver Cromwell. Thankfully, this practice was put to head, ahem, bed, in 1660 following the restoration of the monarchy under King Charles II.

Stay near London Bridge

If you are looking for a place to stay in the area, The London Bridge Hotel is an Independent London hotel and is located just a short walk away from this historical bridge.

Book a welcoming room with us and you could take a walk around this historic area and have a wander over this famous bridge before heading back for some food or a cocktail in our Quarter Bar & Lounge or retiring to your comfortable room.

Book a room

Book a table