Why The Medieval London Bridge Was So Important | The Bridges That Built London | Chronicle

Dan Cruickshank explores the secrets of the bridges that have made London what it is. Along the way, he uncovers stories of the sublime ambition of London's bridge builders. Dan Cruickshank explores the mysteries and secrets of the bridges that have made London what it is.

Welcome to Chronicle; your home for all things medieval history! With documentaries covering everything from the collapse of the Roman Empire to the beginnings of the Renaissance, from Hastings to Charlemagne, we'll be exploring everything the Middle Ages have to offer.

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[avidviewer]

Dan Cruickshank was absolutely the right presenter for this video. The subject is fascinating anyway, but his infectious enthusiasm made it very exciting to watch.

[netherwent]

Dan Cruickshank made the best series of history documentaries ever shown on UK television in my opinion. I saw the original of this one on TV years ago - it has been a treat to stumble upon it once again.

[knockshinnoch]

A terrific documentary. The old London Bridge must've been a fantastic spectacle and a busting thoroughfare connecting both banks of the river.

[joannamallory]

Well done. I never would have thought I’d enjoy a show entirely about bridges but he makes it so interesting.

[Piedog]

Somewhat surprised to see Dan Cruickshank didn't crash while driving. He's so estatic looking at bridges that I half expect him to veer off the road in his excitement.

[gustavoscalabrin]

This is the most English documentary I have ever seen, the subject, the narrator and so on

[MistressQueenBee]

anything Dan does is fantastic. he is raw energy in any project.

[susandikko]

I will watch anything Dan Cruikshank presents as his enthusiasm, knowledge and love of history and architecture come shining through in a way few other presenters manage.

[Matlacha_Painter]

The Thames is called the Isis in Oxford. At the head of it is a Pub called “The Swan”. The stone floor upon which one stands to order repast at the service window has a very noticeable declevity because it is over 800 years old. Go there!

[EarthScienceTV]

The history beneath our feet is so rich and complex. The medieval London Bridge is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors. It's a shame we've lost so much of the historical architecture to modern development.

[gregedmand]

Since we recently sent the ashes of our parents down a creek, which eventually leads to Hudson Bay, I find the notion that rivers are sacred quite natural.

[aib]

I'm no archaeologist or historian, but I'll wager they built the bridge to get to the other side without getting their feet wet!

[gandalfthemead]

After many years, I finally got the opportunity to see the London Bridge in Arizona. It was Christmas time, a cold crisp night in the desert. I took time to really gaze upon it and wonder what it would have been like to experience this bridge while looking upon the old medieval bridge before its demise. Truly, a unique experience to drive across this old bridge. I can't believe that it was dismantled, brick by brick and put back together.

[victoriabarclay]

I needed something pithy after watching shorts. This is so wonderful and surprising with its revelations. I’d love to see a similar documentary on Paris bridges!

[mackpines]

Always wanted know more about this unique bridge.
Even though I’ve never lived in or visited London.
Everyone is fascinated with Tower Bridge but, London Bridge is the one that really made the city what it is.

[ewittkofs]

I was stationed in Augsburg in the early 80’s. It was really wonderful to participate in German cultural life in Southern Bavaria and make acquaintances with many German civilians. I really felt like I was doing something important with people that shared many of the same ideals. We were really proud to share our culture during German-American festivals. My unit ran the “Corn-on-the-cob” concession which was immensely popular with the German visitors. Seeing how the Germans organized their society changed our own views of America. So many Americans had this opportunity that they probably never would have had because of income or because of their own upbringing. It was such a positive thing. The vast majority of us had no feeling of superiority or of being occupiers. For example, most of us felt that the Bundeswehr was so professional. The many service members that married a German spouse is a real unifying force! Thanks for bringing back many great memories.

[Nieldyboy]

Proud to say ive worked in Tower Bridge. Been up and down all over the two towers. Was great fun as a 16yo

[mickvonbornemann]

Just as they rebuilt Shakespeare’s theatre, they really should do a rebuild of the original London bridge in the original spot, complete with shops all away along, all built using the same types of buildings. It’l be a great tourist draw.

[Zroolmpf_Celmbror]

It's wonderful to see documentaries that celebrate the achievements of the West. There is much to be proud of.

[Hal_T]

I love London. I've been there on several occasions. I stay in a B&B that is near Pinewood Studios where the James Bond soundstage is located.