The London Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and has a rich history that spans centuries. One of the most fascinating aspects of this famous bridge is its tendency to fall down – not once, but several times throughout its history. In this article, we will explore the various instances where the London Bridge fell down.
Origins of the London Bridge
The original London Bridge was built by the Romans around 50 AD and was made of wood. It wasn’t until 1176 that a stone bridge was constructed, which lasted for over 600 years.
The First Collapse
In 1212, a fire broke out near the London Bridge and quickly spread, engulfing much of the area. The fire weakened the foundation of the bridge, causing it to collapse in 1236. It took over two decades to rebuild it.
Second Collapse
In 1281, another fire broke out on the bridge and caused significant damage. The repairs took a few years to complete, but in 1284, just as they were finishing up, a strong wind caused part of the bridge to collapse into the Thames River.
The Third Time’s The Charm?
After being rebuilt once again, it seemed like things were finally going smoothly for the London Bridge. However, in 1437, disaster struck yet again when a boat crashed into one of its arches during high tide. This caused part of the bridge to crumble into the river.
A Fourth Collapse
By now, it was clear that something needed to be done about this seemingly cursed bridge. In 1597, work began on a new bridge with wider arches and stronger materials. However, during construction in 1624, yet another disaster struck when part of it collapsed into the river.
The Modern-Day London Bridge
After the fourth collapse, a new bridge was constructed, which still stands today. This bridge was completed in 1831 and has not collapsed since.
In Conclusion
The London Bridge has a long and storied history, but its frequent collapses are perhaps some of the most fascinating aspects of its past. From fires to boats crashing into it, this bridge has endured many challenges over the centuries.
However, with each collapse came an opportunity to rebuild it stronger and better than before. Today, the modern-day London Bridge is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of adversity.