Did London Bridge Actually Fall Down?

By Robert Palmer

London Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Kingdom. With its rich history and stunning architecture, it has captured the imagination of people all over the world for centuries.

But did London Bridge actually fall down? Let’s explore this question in more detail.

Origins of London Bridge

London Bridge has a long and storied history, dating back to Roman times when a timber bridge was constructed across the River Thames. Over the centuries, various versions of the bridge were built and rebuilt, with each iteration becoming more elaborate and ornate than the last.

The First “London Bridge” Collapse

The first recorded instance of London Bridge collapsing occurred in 1014, when it was destroyed by Viking raiders under the command of Olaf Haraldsson. According to legend, Olaf was able to bring down the bridge by attaching ropes to its supports and then ordering his ships to sail away, causing the structure to collapse into the river.

The 1831 Collapse

The most famous instance of London Bridge “falling down” occurred in 1831 when a new version of the bridge was being constructed. During this time, workers noticed that one of the arches had developed a noticeable crack. Despite their concerns, work on the bridge continued until one day in August when disaster struck.

According to eyewitness accounts, a loud cracking sound was heard from within the structure before one of its arches suddenly collapsed into the river below. Fortunately, no one was killed or injured as a result of this incident.

Was it Really “Falling Down”?

Despite popular belief, London Bridge has never actually fallen down in its entirety. While there have been instances where parts of the structure have collapsed or been destroyed by invaders or natural disasters, these incidents do not qualify as a full-scale collapse.

Furthermore, many people confuse London Bridge with its more famous neighbor, Tower Bridge, which is often depicted in movies and TV shows as “falling down”. While Tower Bridge has never actually fallen down either, it did suffer a partial collapse during construction in 1894 when one of its central sections fell into the river.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while London Bridge has certainly had its fair share of mishaps and incidents over the centuries, it has never truly “fallen down”. Its rich history and enduring legacy continue to capture the imagination of people all over the world, making it one of the most beloved landmarks in the United Kingdom.