London Bridge. The name itself conjures images of a historic structure, perhaps draped in fog, standing proudly over the River Thames. But if you were to ask “Where Is London Bridge?” the answer might be more complex than you initially imagine. The truth is, there isn’t just one London Bridge, but a series of bridges that have stood in the same strategic location, each with its own unique story.
To truly understand where London Bridge is, we need to explore its fascinating history, spanning centuries and even continents. Let’s embark on a journey through time to uncover the locations and transformations of this iconic landmark.
The Original London Bridge: A Medieval Marvel
The story of London Bridge begins not with the bridge you might see in modern postcards, but with its medieval predecessor, often referred to as Old London Bridge. This bridge, a testament to medieval engineering, was initiated in 1176 by Peter of Colechurch, a priest. Replacing earlier timber bridges that had served the Roman and early medieval periods, this stone structure was groundbreaking as the first major stone arch bridge in Britain.
Colechurch’s ambitious design comprised 19 pointed arches, each around 24 feet in span, supported by piers that were 20 feet wide. A 20th opening was planned with a wooden drawbridge for ship passage. The construction was a feat of its time, with foundations laid using cofferdams and starlings – protective structures made of timber and stone to shield the piers from the river’s powerful currents. Due to construction challenges, the actual spans varied between 15 to 34 feet. Interestingly, the extensive starlings significantly narrowed the River Thames, constricting the waterway to just a quarter of its original width. This created a dramatic tidal surge through the arches, making “shooting the bridge” in a boat a daring pastime for Londoners.
Completed in 1209, after Colechurch’s death in 1205 and the efforts of three other London citizens, Old London Bridge quickly became a vital commercial hub and residential area. Imagine a bustling street built directly on a bridge! Shops lined both sides, fortified gates stood at each end, and houses rose above the shops. Records from 1358 indicate an astonishing 138 premises on the bridge. Walkways and rooms extended outwards, transforming the bridge into a tunnel-like passage teeming with merchants and travelers. In the 1580s, water mills were added, further increasing the bridge’s vibrancy and noise.
However, Old London Bridge also witnessed its share of disasters. A mere three years after completion, a devastating fire engulfed the bridge, destroying all buildings and claiming up to 3,000 lives. Yet, demonstrating its importance, the bridge was quickly rebuilt, houses reinstated, and it continued to function as a vital, albeit narrower, crossing. In 1282, five arches succumbed to winter ice pressure and collapsed, but were subsequently repaired. Remarkably, despite constant repairs and the opening of Westminster Bridge in 1750, Old London Bridge remained London’s sole Thames crossing for centuries.
By the mid-18th century, the bridge was showing its age. Charles Labelye, the designer of Westminster Bridge, was tasked with its repair. By 1762, all houses were removed, the roadway widened significantly, and the two central arches were replaced by a single wider arch. However, removing the central pier caused severe riverbed erosion, requiring constant gravel replenishment to protect the remaining piers. Ultimately, the relentless maintenance led the City of London to commission a completely new bridge, designed by the renowned engineer John Rennie, to be built just upstream.
Rennie’s New London Bridge: A 19th Century Masterpiece… in Arizona?
For the new London Bridge, John Rennie envisioned a grand structure featuring five semi-elliptical stone arches. The central arch was designed to span 150 feet, the next two 140 feet, and the shore spans 130 feet. Tragically, Rennie passed away in 1821 before construction commenced. His sons, George and John Rennie Jr., took over the project, with George credited with the design from 1820 and John Jr. overseeing construction from 1824. In 1831, King William IV and Queen Adelaide inaugurated the new bridge with a grand water procession. Demolition of Old London Bridge commenced that same year, and by 1832, after 622 years of service, it was gone.
Rennie’s London Bridge, however, had a surprising second life. Less than 140 years after its construction, it faced its own challenges. By the 1960s, it was deemed unable to handle the increasing traffic volume of modern London and was gradually sinking into the Thames. Instead of demolition, a remarkable decision was made. In 1968, the bridge was sold to Robert P. McCulloch, an American entrepreneur who was developing Lake Havasu City, Arizona, as a tourist destination.
Between 1968 and 1971, Rennie’s London Bridge was meticulously dismantled, brick by brick. Each block of granite was numbered, shipped across the Atlantic Ocean, and then transported to Lake Havasu City. There, it was painstakingly reconstructed on a new, five-span reinforced concrete core, spanning a section of Lake Havasu behind Parker Dam. Today, Rennie’s New London Bridge stands proudly in Arizona, a major tourist attraction, approximately 155 miles south of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. So, part of “London Bridge” is actually in the USA!
The Modern London Bridge: What Stands Today
Modern London Bridge connecting London and Southwark
Back in London, a new, modern London Bridge was built between 1968 and 1972, replacing Rennie’s stone arches with a contemporary design. This current London Bridge utilizes prestressed concrete beams, with a central span of 340 feet. The construction employed the cantilever method, where segments were built outwards from piers, each section anchored to the last with high-strength steel tendons. In the center, a final concrete beam completed the span, connecting the two cantilevers.
This modern London Bridge represents a significant post-World War II innovation in bridge engineering. While functional and efficient, it lacks the historical charm and architectural grandeur of its predecessors. It efficiently connects the City of London with Southwark, serving as a vital artery for modern London traffic.
Conclusion: London Bridge Across Time and Continents
So, where is London Bridge? The answer depends on which London Bridge you’re referring to!
- Old London Bridge: No longer exists, but its foundations are beneath the River Thames at the approximate location of the current London Bridge.
- Rennie’s New London Bridge (19th Century): Physically located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA.
- Modern London Bridge (Present Day): Located in London, UK, spanning the River Thames between the City of London and Southwark.
When people ask “where is London Bridge?”, they are most often referring to the modern London Bridge in London. However, understanding the rich history of its predecessors, including the incredible journey of Rennie’s bridge to Arizona, provides a much deeper and more fascinating answer. London Bridge is not just a single structure, but a story of evolution, adaptation, and even relocation, spanning centuries and continents.
