Wanderlust World Wanderlust World During the 16th and 17th centuries, London Bridge was far more than a river crossing—it was a bustling micro-neighborhood and a strategic asset.
The bridge was lined with over 100 shops and houses, some reaching seven stories. Merchants, artisans, and wealthy citizens lived and worked there, making it one of London's most prestigious addresses. The structures projected over the river, creating a tunnel-like passage.
Gatehouses at both ends (the Stone Gate and the Drawbridge Gate) controlled access. The bridge could be sealed against invasion or rebellion. Towers, portcullises, and arrow loops made it a formidable barrier. Heads of traitors were displayed on pikes as a grim deterrent.
The bridge's dual role epitomized medieval urban life: commerce and security intertwined. It was not until the 1760s that the buildings were cleared, and the 1831 replacement eliminated the habitable bridge entirely.