London bridge

Tower Bridge, a striking Victorian drawbridge next to the Tower of London, is often confused with the London Bridge, a visually simpler bridge that is located to the east of Tower Bridge, and that was the first to be built to join the two banks of the Thames.

History of London Bridge

It is located between the Cannon Street Railway and Tower Bridge bridges, on the site where a bridge has existed for 2.000 years.

The first of them on the Thames was built with wood by the Romans around 46 AD and fell into disuse with their march.  Later in the Saxon period there was little need for a bridge at this point as the river was the border between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex.

After the bridge's destruction in 1136, it was decided to replace it with a stone one. New taxes were levied to finance it and its construction began during the reign of Henry II of England in 1176. It took 33 years to complete and was not complete until the reign of John I of England in 1209.

Engravings from medieval times show that buildings of up to seven stories were raised on the bridge, which was soon full of shops, houses and even a chapel in its central part.

The southern part of the bridge became one of the best-known sights in London, because the impaled heads of traitors were displayed there. William Wallace's head was the first to be shown to the public in 1305, initiating a tradition that was perpetuated for nearly four centuries. Other heads placed on London Bridge were Thomas More in 1535 or Thomas Cromwell in 1540.

Towards the end of the 30th century, it was decided to modernize the bridge and replace it with another, as it had become narrow and was a danger to river traffic. An elegant five-arch stone design built XNUMX meters east of the original location was chosen.

In 1924 the eastern part of the bridge was sinking so it had to be replaced again by a more modern one. In 1962, the XNUMXth century bridge was dismantled stone by stone and transported to Arizona as businessman Robert McCulloch purchased it to be used as a tourist attraction on Lake Havasu. The current London Bridge was built between 1967 and 1972 and inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973 in an austere style so typical of the 70s.

What to see on London Bridge

In the underground part of the bridge we can enjoy the London Bridge Experience, an interactive attraction that traces the history of London Bridge over 2.000 years. The activity is performed by actors and features various special effects designed to transport visitors to the London of the past. You'll experience the Great Fire of London, watch the warrior queen Boudica fight the Romans, and hear stories about Jack the Ripper.

On the surface, you can see a needle-shaped sculpture in the southern part. This work recalls the 30 needles that the previous bridge had, on which the severed heads of traitors were strung. In addition, there are wonderful views of the Thames and the Victorian-style Tower Bridge from here. On the banks of the bridge there are bars and restaurants where you can have a drink.

How to get to London Bridge?

London Bridge is located at 2-4 Tooley St. and connects the Southwark neighborhood of central London with the financial district. The bridge can be reached from London Bridge station, although Monument tube station offers better access.

Hours and prices

Schedule

The London Bridge Experience is open every day (except December 25 and 26) from:

• Monday to Friday, from 10am. at 17pm. (with the first screening at 10:30 am).
• Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 18:10 p.m. (with the first screening at 00:XNUMX a.m.).

Pricing

• £ 26.95 (at the box office) or £ 19.95 (online) for adults
• £ 21.45 (at the box office) or £ 17 (online) for young people between 5 and 15 years old.