The Curious Case of the Missing London Bridge: Did It Fall Down? (Not Really)
Ah, London Bridge. Nursery rhymes croon about its demise, yet it stands proudly... well, not exactly. You see, the London Bridge we know today isn't the same one that inspired the wobbly song. The original London Bridge, a medieval marvel that stood for over 600 years, had a much more interesting fate than a simple tumble. Buckle up, history buffs (and lovers of the absurd), because we're diving into the weird and wonderful story of what really happened to Old London Bridge.
From Humble Beginnings to Bustling Hub
Construction on Old London Bridge began in, wait for it, 1176! That's right, they started building this bridge before Netflix, sliced bread, or even the invention of sporks. It took a whopping 33 years to complete, which, to be fair, is pretty good considering they probably had to use squirrels and twigs for scaffolding.
This bridge wasn't just a way to get across the Thames. It became a bustling little village, complete with shops, houses, and even a gatehouse to collect tolls. Imagine your morning commute being a stroll through a medieval market – talk about rush hour entertainment!
A Bridge with Benefits (and Perils)
Living on the bridge had its perks. Prime location, constant foot traffic (good for business!), and a built-in moat (although the moat water probably wasn't the most refreshing). But there were downsides too. Like, you know, the constant threat of fire (wooden houses + open flames = not a great combo) and the occasional plague rat infestation (because, medieval times).
The bridge also played a bit part in some historical dramas. It witnessed battles, royal processions, and even the execution of a few unfortunate souls (medieval justice was a harsh mistress).
Time for a Makeover (and Maybe a Bit of Demolition)
By the 18th century, Old London Bridge was looking a little worse for wear. The houses blocked the river traffic, and the whole structure was starting to show its age. So, the city fathers decided it was time for a modern upgrade. They built a spanking new London Bridge just upstream, all fancy and stone-built, and then promptly tore down the old one.
But What About the Nursery Rhyme?
So, did London Bridge actually fall down? Well, not exactly. It was carefully dismantled, stone by stone. Although, there is a sliver of truth in the rhyme. Five centuries of relentless battering by the Thames did weaken the bridge, and a few arches did indeed collapse in the 13th century. But fear not, no nursery rhyme singers were harmed in the making of this historical landmark.
Fun Fact: Parts of the Old London Bridge actually live on! Some stones were used in the construction of a nearby church, and some were even shipped all the way to Arizona, where they were used to rebuild the bridge in a lake! Talk about a second life!
FAQs: Old London Bridge Edition
How to get to the Old London Bridge? You can't! The original bridge is gone, but you can visit the much newer London Bridge, which is still pretty impressive.
How to sing the London Bridge nursery rhyme correctly? Here's the first verse, in case your memory is a bit rusty:
London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, falling down. London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady.
How to avoid living on a medieval bridge? Time travel is still under development, so this one's a bit tricky. Maybe stick to modern apartments?
How to build a bridge that lasts 600 years? Apparently, a whole lot of stone and a good sense of humor helps.
How to appreciate good historical trivia? Read this post again!
