London Bridge: More Than Just a Nursery Rhyme (But Maybe Not That Much More)
Ah, London Bridge. The star of a childhood song we all (secretly) know every word to. But beneath the catchy tune and visions of falling down lies a much more interesting story, particularly when it comes to its current incarnation. So, ditch the mental image of wobbly drawbridges and prepare to have your mind mildly boggled by the wonderful world of bridge engineering!
The Lowdown on the Modern London Bridge: A Box Full of Surprises
Forget everything you think you know about London Bridge. Yes, it's the bridge that (metaphorically) falls down in the song, but the current version, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, is a far cry from its medieval timber or even 19th-century stone arched predecessors. This modern marvel is a box girder bridge.
Box girder bridge?
Exactly! Imagine a giant concrete box laid across the River Thames, strong enough to hold the weight of traffic and look darn sleek while doing it. That's the basic idea.
But Why a Box? Isn't Fancy Stone More "London-y"?
There's a certain logic to the box girder design. For one, it's super strong. Think about it: a box distributes weight evenly, making it perfect for a busy bridge. Secondly, construction was a breeze (well, a breeze relative to rebuilding a bridge every few centuries). Sections of the box were built on land and then floated into place, minimizing disruption on the Thames.
So yes, while a fancy stone bridge might have a certain old-world charm, the box girder gets the job done efficiently and, let's face it, looks pretty sharp in a modernist kind of way.
Is The Box Girder Bridge Boring Then?
Now hold on a sec. While the box girder design might not win any awards for architectural whimsy, it's still a pretty darn impressive feat of engineering. Plus, it lets all the double-decker buses and black cabs whizz across the Thames with nary a care, which is kind of important for a major city.
But hey, if you're looking for some true London Bridge pizzazz, head on over to Tower Bridge. That's the one with the dramatic opening sections, perfect for letting tall ships sail through.
Frequently Asked Bridge-Related Questions:
How to get to London Bridge? Train, bus, car, or, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, a swan might give you a lift (not recommended).
How long is London Bridge? The current bridge stretches a respectable 833 feet (254 meters) across the Thames.
How many times has London Bridge fallen down? Thankfully, the nursery rhyme is a metaphor. London Bridge has been rebuilt several times throughout history, but never because it literally fell down.
How much does it cost to cross London Bridge? The good news? Absolutely nothing! Crossing London Bridge is free.
How to tell the difference between London Bridge and Tower Bridge? Look for the box girder design on London Bridge, and the dramatic opening sections on Tower Bridge. Easy!
