Remarkable Chronicles of Ancient London Bridge, a Recognized Symbol of Medieval Britain's Prestigious Architecture
The Old London Bridge, completed in 1209, was more than just a stone structure spanning the River Thames. For over six centuries, it served as a bustling "town on a bridge," a remarkable hybrid of infrastructure and architecture.
Commissioned by King Henry II, the bridge was a remarkable 926 feet long and between 20 and 24 feet wide, supported by 19 pointed arches resting on piers in the river. What made it unique was its densely populated nature. Over 200 timber buildings, including houses, shops, workshops, and inns, were built atop it, making it a lively inhabited street suspended above the Thames.
The buildings hung so close to the edge that the Thames was often hidden from view when crossing. They leaned and sagged over time, giving the bridge a crowded and chaotic feel. The narrow passage was often congested with carts, animals, and pedestrians, making crossing difficult. Fires, notably the devastating blaze of 1212, frequently ravaged the wooden structures, posing a continual risk.
The bridge's most prominent feature was the chapel dedicated to St. Thomas à Becket, situated roughly in the middle of the bridge. This chapel, commissioned by King Henry II, added a religious dimension to the bustling bridge.
The Old London Bridge was also a grisly symbol of justice. Heads of traitors, including those of William Wallace and Sir Thomas More, were displayed on pikes at the drawbridge tower as a warning to others. This practice continued from the 14th century until around 1660.
Despite its many challenges, the Old London Bridge remained the city's only crossing until the 18th century. It was not until 1832 and again in 1971 that it was destroyed and replaced. Historians believe it is possible that the Romans constructed a wooden bridge near the location of the current London Bridge around 50 C.E. to transfer supplies over the River Thames.
The Old London Bridge, a medieval marvel and a grim reminder of justice, stands as a testament to London's rich history. Its story is a reminder of the city's past, a time when infrastructure and architecture were intertwined, and justice was dispensed in the most public of ways.
Traveling back in time, one can envision the Old London Bridge as a microcosm of home-and-garden, lifestyle, and history, all rolled into one. With over 200 timber houses, shops, and inns constructed above the Thames, the bridge offered a unique living experience, blending the domestic and the commercial, much like a bustling home-and-garden town. Furthermore, the Old London Bridge serves as a testament to the city's rich history, with its intricate architecture, religious symbols, and chilling reminders of justice, making it a remarkable piece of London's fascinating past.
