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, www.britannica.com/technology/….

---. “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/.

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