Did London Bridge Burn Down in 1666?

By Alice Nichols

London Bridge has been an iconic landmark in England for centuries. It has undergone numerous transformations and renovations, but one of the most significant events in its history is the Great Fire of London that took place in 1666.

There have been debates about whether London Bridge burned down during this catastrophic event or not. In this article, we will explore the facts and myths surrounding the burning of London Bridge in 1666.

What was the Great Fire of London?

The Great Fire of London was a devastating fire that occurred between September 2-6, 1666. It started at a bakery on Pudding Lane and quickly spread throughout the city, destroying over 13,000 homes and 87 churches. The fire caused widespread panic and left thousands homeless.

Did London Bridge burn down in the Great Fire?

There is a popular misconception that London Bridge burned down during the Great Fire of London. However, this is not entirely true. While several bridges along the River Thames were destroyed during the fire, including Old St Paul’s Cathedral, it appears that London Bridge survived relatively unscathed.

Why was there confusion about whether it burned down or not?

One reason for the confusion could be attributed to a painting by Dutch artist Jan Griffier, titled “The Burning of London,” which depicts flames leaping from buildings on both sides of the Thames with what appears to be London Bridge engulfed in flames. However, historians have pointed out that this depiction may be inaccurate as eyewitness accounts from the time do not mention any significant damage to the bridge.

What happened to London Bridge during the Great Fire?

While it is true that London Bridge did not burn down during the Great Fire of 1666, it did suffer some damage from falling debris and sparks carried by strong winds. The wooden houses built atop the bridge were destroyed in the fire, but the bridge’s stone structure remained intact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, London Bridge did not burn down during the Great Fire of London in 1666. While some damage was inflicted on it, the bridge’s stone structure remained untouched.

The myth that it burned down could have originated from artistic depictions of the event or from confusion with other bridges that were destroyed during the fire. Regardless, London Bridge remains an iconic symbol of England’s history and resilience.