London Bridge is a historical landmark that has stood the test of time for centuries. It has been a symbol of London for over 2,000 years and has seen many changes throughout its existence.
But what happened to the old London Bridge? Let’s dive in and explore its fascinating history.
The Old London Bridge
The old London Bridge was a medieval bridge that spanned the River Thames in London. It was built in 1209 and was one of the most important landmarks in London for over 600 years. The bridge had a long and interesting history, but by the early 19th century, it had become outdated and was in desperate need of repair.
The Need for Replacement
By the late 18th century, it was clear that the old London Bridge could no longer handle the increasing traffic and weight of modern vehicles. The narrow arches caused bottlenecks, and ships navigating through the river often collided with them, causing damage to both boats and bridge. Additionally, as boats became larger and more heavily loaded with cargo, they needed more clearance to pass under the bridge.
The Decision to Replace
In 1824, after much debate, it was decided that a new bridge would be built to replace the old one. A competition was held to design a new bridge which would accommodate both pedestrians and vehicles. The winning design by John Rennie included five arches spanning across the river with wider clearance for boats.
The New London Bridge
Construction on the new bridge began in 1825 while traffic continued to flow on the old one. Once completed in 1831, all traffic was diverted onto the new bridge while demolition of the old one began.
The Demolition Process
Demolishing an iconic structure like London Bridge is no easy feat. The old bridge had been built from stone and had stood for centuries.
The demolition process was slow and methodical, taking over three years to complete. Large sections of the bridge were dismantled piece by piece, with some of the materials being sold off or reused in other construction projects.
The Legacy of the Old London Bridge
Today, little remains of the old London Bridge. However, its legacy lives on in various forms.
The bridge was immortalized in literature and song, including the popular nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down.” Additionally, some of its original stones were used to construct a new bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Conclusion
The old London Bridge may be gone, but it will never be forgotten. Its legacy lives on through history books, literature, and even a new bridge on the other side of the world. The decision to replace it with a modern structure was necessary for progress but it’s important to remember and honor its rich history.
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London Bridge is Falling Down: The Mysterious Story Behind the Popular Nursery Rhyme
If you grew up in an English-speaking country, chances are you’ve heard the popular nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down.” The catchy tune and repetitive lyrics have been passed down from generation to generation, but have you ever wondered about the story behind it? Origins of the Rhyme
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In the 1960s, the London Bridge was beginning to show signs of aging and wear. The structure was no longer able to handle the growing traffic demands of the city and a decision was made to replace it with a newer, more modern bridge. But what happened to the old London Bridge?
