How Old Is London Bridge? It Depends on Which One You Mean

"London Bridge" isn't a single structure—it's a 2,000-year succession of crossings at the same strategic spot on the River Thames. Here's the timeline:

1. Roman Timber Bridge (c. 50 AD) – The first, built by the invading Romans. Wood, likely pontoon or pile-driven. ~2,000 years old if it survived (it didn't).
2. Medieval Stone Bridge (1209–1831) – 622 years! Famous for its 19 arches, chapel, and shops/houses lining the deck. Became a hazard and bottleneck.
3. Rennie's Granite Bridge (1831–1967) – John Rennie's 5-arch granite design. Dismantled and sold to an American (now in Lake Havasu City, Arizona).
4. Tower Bridge (1894–present) – Often confused with London Bridge. A bascule/suspension hybrid downstream. Iconic, but a different bridge.
5. Current London Bridge (1973–present) – Concrete box girder, three lanes each way, pedestrian walkway. ~50 years old.

So, How Old?

• The site has been bridged for ~2,000 years.
• The current structure is ~50 years old.
• The longest-lived version (medieval) lasted 622 years.

Next time someone asks, clarify: which London Bridge?