The London Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It connects the city of London to Southwark, and it has been a vital part of the city’s history since its construction in 1209.
However, many people don’t know that the current London Bridge is not the original one. In this article, we will explore what happened to the original London Bridge.
The Original London Bridge
The original London Bridge was constructed in 1209 by Peter de Colechurch, a priest and architect from Rochester. It was a wooden bridge with 19 arches and had shops and houses built on it. The bridge was an essential part of trade and commerce as it provided a direct route from the city of London to Kent.
Over time, the wooden bridge became weak, and it was replaced by a stone bridge in 1831. The new bridge was designed by John Rennie and had five arches with a width of 54 feet. The new bridge was wider than its predecessor and allowed for easier navigation for ships passing under it.
What Happened to the Original London Bridge?
So what happened to the original London Bridge? Well, it stood for over 600 years before being dismantled in 1967. By this time, the bridge had become too weak to support modern traffic requirements and needed to be replaced.
The decision was made to sell the old bridge, stone by stone. Each stone was numbered so that it could be reconstructed elsewhere. The buyer of the old bridge was an American entrepreneur named Robert P McCulloch who purchased it for $2.5 million.
McCulloch had intended to rebuild the bridge as an attraction in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, which he founded in 1963. The reconstruction took three years and cost an additional $7 million.
In October 1971, McCulloch opened his new London Bridge to the public. The bridge was reassembled over a reinforced concrete structure that spanned a canal leading to Lake Havasu. The reconstructed bridge is 928 feet long and 45 feet wide, which is roughly half the size of the original London Bridge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original London Bridge was an essential part of London’s history for over 600 years before being replaced in 1831. It was dismantled in 1967 and sold to an American entrepreneur who rebuilt it in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The reconstructed bridge still stands today as a tourist attraction and a testament to the enduring legacy of the original London Bridge.
7 Related Question Answers Found
The London Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of London. With its rich history and captivating story, it has become a symbol of resilience and architectural marvel. Let’s dive into the fascinating tale behind this famous bridge.
London Bridge is not just an iconic landmark in London, but it’s also a symbol of the city’s rich history and heritage. The bridge has undergone several transformations over the centuries, and its story is an interesting one to explore. The Early Bridges
The first bridge that spanned the River Thames in London was built by the Romans in AD 43.
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
While the exact origins of the rhyme are unknown, historians believe it dates back to at least the 17th century. One theory suggests that it was inspired by the numerous collapses and reconstructions of London Bridge throughout history.
The London Bridge Experience is a thrilling and educational attraction that takes visitors on a journey through the history of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day significance, this immersive experience offers a unique perspective on the history and legacy of the London Bridge. Overview
Upon entering the London Bridge Experience, visitors are immediately transported back in time to the days when the original bridge was first constructed.
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?
London Bridge Is Falling Down is one of the most popular nursery rhymes that has been sung for generations. The melody of this song is catchy and easy to remember, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike. However, the true meaning behind this song is often overlooked.
London Bridge is a popular English nursery rhyme that has been sung by children all over the world for decades. The tune of the song is catchy and easy to remember, but what about the notes? In this article, we will explore the notes to London Bridge and how they can be played on different instruments.
