Old London Bridge

 In 1176, Peter of Colechurch began constructing London Bridge, now referred to as Old London Bridge, over the River Thames. Completed in 1209 shortly after Peter's death, the stone bridge served as a commercial crossing that housed both businesses and residences. The bridge consisted of a wooden drawbridge centered between 19 ogive arches spanning 15 to 34 feet. It wasn't until Old London Bridge was replaced in the 1820s that a span of over 100 feet helped bridge the Thames.

 

Sources:

Billington, David P. “Bridge Engineering.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2 Aug. 2017, https://www.britannica.com/technology/bridge-engineering/The-Middle-Ages.

---. “London Bridge.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 7 May 2013, www.britannica.com/topic/Old-London-Bridge.

City Bridge Trust. “History.” City Bridge Trust, www.citybridgetrust.org.uk/about-us/history/.

The image is public domain {{PD-UK-unknown}}.

Associated Place(s)

Event date:

1176 to 1209