London Bridge

The history of London Bridge dates back to the Roman times, around 50 AD, when the first iteration of the bridge was likely constructed to connect the city of Londinium with the southern areas of Britain. Over the centuries, the bridge underwent numerous modifications and rebuilds. The medieval London Bridge, completed in 1209 during the reign of King John, became a notable feature of London. It was a covered bridge with buildings and shops on it, a practice common during the medieval period. This version stood for over 600 years, with its arches and piers being a marvel of medieval engineering.

In the early 19th century, it became evident that a modern structure was needed to cope with the increasing traffic and the demands of a growing city. In 1831, a new London Bridge, designed by John Rennie, was opened to the public. This granite bridge had five arches and was built a few meters upstream from the medieval bridge, which was subsequently demolished. Rennie’s bridge served London well for over a century, but by the mid-20th century, it was sinking due to the heavy traffic and the structural pressures exerted on it.

In London, a new, more modern and functional London Bridge was constructed and opened to the public in 1973. This concrete and steel bridge, designed by Mott, Hay, and Anderson, is the London Bridge that stands today, efficiently serving as a crucial transportation link across the River Thames.