The Curious Case of London Bridge: Did It Fall Down? (Thankfully, No)
London Bridge. The name conjures up images of bustling crowds, Big Ben bonging in the distance, and maybe even a nursery rhyme about a crumbling structure. But fear not, history buffs and rhyme-averse folks alike! London Bridge is not only standing tall, but it's also had quite the adventurous life. Buckle up for a tale of multiple bridges, a surprising relocation, and a whole lot of Thames River crossings!
From Humble Beginnings to Houses on High
The story starts, as many a good story does, with a humble beginning. The first London Bridge was a rather unassuming wooden job built by the Romans all the way back in 43 AD. Fast forward a few centuries, and things got a bit more impressive. A new bridge, complete with shops and houses lining the sides, was built in the 12th century. Think of it as the original, medieval mall – though with a bit more sewage in the river below.
This iteration of London Bridge wasn't exactly shy about drama. It survived fires, ice attacks (yes, you read that right), and even a Viking invasion! But time, traffic, and the ever-present weight of all those houses eventually took their toll. By the 18th century, it was decided London needed a more modern marvel.
Out with the Old, In with the...Recycled?
Enter the grandiose stone bridge designed by John Rennie that opened in 1831. This beauty served London faithfully for over a century. However, by the 1960s, even it was struggling with the ever-increasing volume of traffic. So, what did they do? Did they tear it down with a dramatic ceremony? Did they push it into the Thames with a fanfare?
Nope. In a move that would make Marie Kondo proud, the bridge was dismantled and sold to the United States! Yes, you read that right. The stones of London Bridge were shipped across the Atlantic and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Talk about a retirement plan!
The current London Bridge, opened in 1973, is a much sturdier (and less travel-prone) affair. It continues to be a vital traffic artery, though thankfully minus the shops and the sewage.
So, what can we learn from this tale?
- Never underestimate the ingenuity of engineers. (Building a bridge, then selling it – genius!)
- Recycling is good for the environment, even for bridges.
- London Bridge is living proof that even landmarks can have a mid-life crisis and move to Arizona.
Burning Questions about London Bridge (and its Adventures)
How to visit the original London Bridge? Head to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and you can walk across it yourself!
How many London Bridges have there been? Technically, there have been several iterations of the same bridge on the same spot, but if we're counting the one in Arizona, then there have been two distinct London Bridges.
How wide was the old London Bridge with all the houses? Believe it or not, the houses lining the bridge narrowed the available carriageway down to a mere 12 feet! Talk about rush hour gridlock!
How did they survive on the old London Bridge with all that...waste disposal happening in the river? Let's just say air fresheners weren't exactly a common household item back then.
How can I learn more about London Bridge? There are plenty of resources online and in libraries! But remember, the most important lesson is that bridges can be surprisingly well-travelled.
