Is the London Bridge Still in London?

By Alice Nichols

The London Bridge is an iconic landmark that has been a part of London’s history for centuries. It is one of the oldest and most famous bridges in the world, connecting the City of London to Southwark.

But is the London Bridge still in London?

The answer is yes, the London Bridge is still in London! However, it’s not the original bridge that was built in 1831. In fact, there have been several versions of the bridge over the centuries.

The first London Bridge was built by the Romans in AD 50. It was a wooden bridge that spanned across the River Thames and connected Londinium (the Roman name for London) to Southwark. The bridge was rebuilt several times over the years, with stone replacing wood as a building material.

In 1831, a new stone bridge was constructed to replace the old one. This new bridge became known as the ‘New’ London Bridge and it lasted for over 130 years until it was deemed unsafe for modern traffic.

In 1967, it was decided that a new modern bridge would be built to replace the ‘New’ London Bridge. The old bridge was sold to an American businessman named Robert P. McCulloch who had it dismantled and transported to Lake Havasu City in Arizona where it now stands as a tourist attraction.

The current London Bridge opened in 1973 and was designed by architect Lord Holford. It has since become an important transportation hub for both pedestrians and vehicles alike.

Fun fact: The nursery rhyme ‘London Bridge is Falling Down’ refers to an earlier version of the bridge that fell into disrepair over time.

  • The history of the various versions of London Bridge:

    • The first wooden bridge built by Romans – AD 50
    • Various versions of stone bridges built over the years
    • ‘New’ London Bridge built in 1831
    • ‘New’ London Bridge sold and transported to Arizona in 1967
    • Current London Bridge opened in 1973
  • Interesting facts about the current London Bridge:

    • The bridge is made of concrete and steel
    • It is adorned with over 4,000 lights that illuminate it at night
    • The bridge can be raised to allow tall ships to pass underneath

In conclusion, the London Bridge is still an integral part of London’s history and culture. Although it may not be the original bridge, it still serves as an important landmark and transportation hub for both locals and tourists alike.