How Many Times Has London Bridge Fallen?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever wondered how many times London Bridge has fallen? The history behind this iconic structure is fascinating, and the story of its multiple collapses is both surprising and intriguing.

London Bridge has a long and storied history, dating all the way back to Roman times when a wooden bridge was first constructed over the River Thames. Over the centuries, various iterations of the bridge were built, each stronger and more durable than the last.

However, despite these efforts, London Bridge has fallen not once, not twice, but several times throughout its existence. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable instances:

The First Collapse

The first recorded collapse of London Bridge occurred in 1014. At the time, England was engaged in a bitter war with Denmark, and King Æthelred ordered the destruction of all bridges along the Thames to prevent Danish ships from sailing upriver. However, when Cnut (also known as Canute) became king of England in 1016, he ordered that London Bridge be rebuilt.

The Great Fire of London

London Bridge survived for several centuries after its first collapse but came under threat once again during the Great Fire of London in 1666. Although the bridge itself did not catch fire, it played a pivotal role in stopping the spread of flames by acting as a firebreak.

The Modern Era

In recent years, London Bridge has undergone significant renovations to make it stronger and more resilient than ever before. However, even with these upgrades in place, accidents can still happen – as evidenced by an incident in 2020 when a bus collided with one of the bridge’s pillars.

Despite its tumultuous past and occasional mishaps in modern times, London Bridge remains an important symbol of British history and culture. Whether you’re crossing it on foot or simply admiring it from afar, this iconic bridge is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, London Bridge has fallen multiple times throughout its history, with the most notable collapses occurring in 1014 and during the Great Fire of London in 1666. Despite these setbacks, the bridge has persevered and continues to be an important cultural landmark in the heart of London.