The Turbulent History of London Bridge: From Roman Timber to Modern Granite

London Bridge has not always been the stable crossing we know today. Its history is a saga of repeated collapses, fires, and reconstructions spanning nearly two millennia.

The Roman Beginning

The first bridge at this site was built by the Romans in the 1st century AD. Constructed of wood, it served as a vital military and trade artery until it was destroyed by fire in 1212.

The Medieval Stone Bridge

A stone replacement was completed in 1228. This iconic structure, lined with shops and houses, stood for roughly 600 years. However, structural strain, ice damage, and the Great Fire of 1666 took their toll, and it was eventually demolished in the early 19th century.

The Modern Granite & Concrete Span

The current London Bridge, opened in 1973, is a box-girder bridge built from concrete and steel, faced with granite. Designed for heavy modern traffic, it has proven remarkably durable, standing firm where its predecessors failed.

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