The Origins and Evolution of London Bridge

Roman Period (1st Century AD)

The first known bridge at this site was a wooden structure built by the Romans during Emperor Claudius's reign, slightly upstream of the current position. It was likely destroyed in the Boudican revolt of 60 AD.

Medieval Period (12th Century)

A stone bridge replaced it under King John. This iconic structure housed shops and homes, and its gatehouse displayed the heads of executed traitors, including William Wallace in 1305.

Tudor and Stuart Periods (16th–17th Century)

Henry VIII commissioned a wider, more elaborate stone bridge. It witnessed the 1642 Battle of London Bridge during the English Civil War.

Modern Period (19th Century)

John Rennie designed a new iron bridge, opened in 1831 during Queen Victoria's reign. It was among the world's first iron bridges.

Current Bridge (1970s)

The present concrete bridge, designed by Peter Hendy and Chris Wise, opened in 1973 under Queen Elizabeth II, continuing a two-millennia lineage of crossings at this historic Thames location.