How Many Times Did London Bridge Fall Down?

By Michael Ferguson

London Bridge is a historic and iconic landmark situated in the heart of London, England. This bridge has a very long and fascinating history that dates back centuries ago. One thing that has made the bridge even more interesting is the number of times it has fallen down.

How Many Times Did London Bridge Fall Down?

The famous nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down” seems to suggest that the bridge has collapsed many times over the years. But how true is this? Let’s take a look at the history of London Bridge to find out.

The First London Bridge

The first London Bridge was built by the Romans in AD 43, shortly after they invaded Britain. This wooden bridge was replaced by another wooden structure in 1014, which was destroyed by fire in 1136.

The Stone London Bridge

A new bridge was constructed in 1176 by Peter de Colechurch, which lasted for over 600 years! However, this stone bridge did suffer some damage during its lifespan.

1293:

The first recorded incident occurred when a boat crashed into one of the arches, causing part of the structure to collapse.

1390:

In 1390, a storm caused several arches to collapse, killing several people who were on or near the bridge at that time.

1437:

In 1437, ice buildup caused one of the piers to collapse.

1460-1461:

During this time, two separate fires broke out on the bridge which caused significant damage.

1633-1635:

Over 400 years later, another fire broke out on London Bridge. This fire consumed much of the northern side of the structure.

The Modern London Bridge

In 1831, a new bridge was constructed to replace the old one. This new bridge was made of granite and had five arches. This bridge lasted until 1967 when it was sold to an American businessman and replaced with a more modern structure.

Conclusion

So, how many times did London Bridge actually fall down? The answer is that it fell down several times due to various reasons such as fires, storms, ice buildup, and collisions.

However, the bridge has been rebuilt or repaired every time it fell down. Today, London Bridge stands tall and proud as a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.