The name "London Bridge" refers to a series of bridges that have crossed the River Thames in London throughout history. The current bridge, opened in 1973, is a modern concrete and steel structure. It replaced a 19th-century stone bridge, which itself replaced a medieval stone bridge that stood for 600 years. The medieval bridge was a significant landmark, supporting homes, businesses, and a city gate. Prior to the medieval bridge, a succession of timber bridges existed, with the first built by the Romans around 50 AD.
1924: Deterioration of the 19th-Century London Bridge
By 1924, it became evident that the 19th-century London Bridge was sinking at an alarming rate, necessitating its removal and replacement.
1967: Construction Begins on the Current London Bridge
Construction of the current London Bridge, designed by Lord Holford and engineered by Mott, Hay and Anderson, commenced in 1967.
April 1968: Sale of London Bridge
In April 1968, the City of London sold the 19th-century London Bridge to Robert P. McCulloch, an American entrepreneur, for US$2,460,000.
October 1971: Reconstruction of London Bridge in Arizona
The 19th-century London Bridge was reconstructed in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, using the original granite facing blocks. It was re-dedicated on October 1971.
1972: Construction of the current London Bridge completed
Construction of the current London Bridge was completed in 1972.
March 1973: Queen Elizabeth II opens the new London Bridge
The current London Bridge was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on March 1973.
1973: Opening of the current London Bridge
In 1973, the current London Bridge, a box girder bridge made of concrete and steel, was opened to traffic.
1984: HMS Jupiter Collision
In 1984, the British warship HMS Jupiter collided with the current London Bridge, causing significant damage to both the vessel and the bridge.
2002: London Bridge in "About a Boy"
The current London Bridge was featured in the 2002 film "About a Boy," with Hugh Grant's character crossing it during the morning rush hour.
2003: Auction of Leftover London Bridge Stones
In 2003, stones from the 19th-century London Bridge that were left behind at Merrivale Quarry were auctioned online after the quarry was abandoned and flooded.
July 2008: Sheep Drive Across London Bridge
In July 2008, a flock of sheep was herded across London Bridge as part of the Lord Mayor's charity appeal, commemorating the 800th anniversary of the old London Bridge's completion.
June 2017: Terrorist Attack on London Bridge
On June 2017, a terrorist attack on London Bridge resulted in the deaths of eight people and injuries to 48 others. Following the attack, security barriers were erected on the bridge to enhance pedestrian safety.
2023: Current Valuation of London Bridge Construction Costs
As of 2023, the cost of constructing the current London Bridge is estimated to be around £71.4 million.