London Bridge is the oldest river crossing in London, bringing river and road traffic together. It was rebuilt multiple times, from timber to stone and concrete and steel. London Bridge was actually the sole crossing of the Thames until the construction of Putney Bridge in 1729.
What is the unique feature of the Tower Bridge?
Drawbridges require ropes or chains to pull up the road, but Tower Bridge's roads are too heavy to be opened like this. Instead, it is a bascule bridge, which means the roads (bascules) move like two giant seesaws and pivot to open and close the bridge.
Why was it difficult to cross old London Bridge?
Although the buildings that had once adorned its top had long been demolished, the crossing was still far too narrow and the arches that supported the bridge were a serious hindrance for ships passing underneath. The old medieval London Bridge with St Magnus the Marytr's church to the left.
What is a history fact about London Bridge?
Before stone was used to build bridges, most bridges across the River Thames were made out of wood. The first 'London Bridge' was built by the Romans in 43 AD and was built as a pontoon bridge using planks that were laid across anchored boats. In 984, a new fixed wooden London Bridge was built.
What are three interesting facts about the Tower of London?
10 Facts About the Tower of London
- The Tower of London is the home of the Crown Jewels. …
- The tower was was heavily damaged during World War II. …
- The Tower was originally used as a prison. …
- Ravens are kept there. …
- The Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower since the 15th century.
What are some fun facts about the London Bridge for kids?
The bridge is used by roughly 40,000 people everyday. Former US President Bill Clinton once waited 20 minutes for a barge to sail underneath the bridge, so he could cross the bridge. In 1977, the bridge was painted red, white and blue to celebrate the Queen's silver jubilee.
Why can’t you drive over London Bridge?
London Bridge has been closed to private motorists for six months due to £5-million refurbishment works, and TfL's announcement is confirmation that buses and taxis will be the only motorized transport allowed on the bridge going forward, subject to review.
What makes the London Bridge unusual?
Did people live in London Bridge?
Houses and shopsAt the peak of the bridge's prosperity in the 14th century, the bridge wardens received rents from around 140 properties. By the time de Jongh made this painting in 1630, many of the houses had merged and there were only 91 separate dwellings.
How many times has London Bridge been destroyed?
It crumbled in 1281 (due to ice damage), 1309, 1425 and 1437, and then there was a devastating fire in the seventeenth century. But despite its Jenga-like tendencies, the medieval London Bridge (including houses and shops) did last for 600 years, until it was demolished in 1831.
When was the stabbing on London Bridge?
November 29, 20192019 London Bridge stabbing / Start date
Who was executed at the Tower of London?
ROYAL PRISONERSAmong the seven prisoners executed on Tower Green were three queens of England: Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII; Catherine Howard, Henry's fifth wife and Lady Jane Grey.
What are some facts and history about the London Bridge?
It was constructed by contractors John Mowlem and Co from 1967 to 1972, and opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 16 March 1973. It comprises three spans of prestressed-concrete box girders, a total of 833 feet (254 m) long. The cost of £4 million (£60.1 million in 2021), was met entirely by the Bridge House Estates charity.
How many people cross London Bridge a day?
40,000 peopleThis impressive feat of engineering is 244 metres (800 ft) long, covered in 22,000 litres (5,812 gallons) of paint and crossed by 40,000 people each day. Find out more about the bridge's history and enjoy fantastic views from 42 metres (138 ft) above the Thames on the bridge's walkways.
Has the London Bridge ever been pulled down?
Actually, London Bridge has fallen down loads of times. The nursery rhyme might refer to the time the Viking leader Olaf Haraldsson pulled it down in 1014, inspiring a thirteenth-century Old Norse poem that translated as 'London Bridge is broken down'.