THE HISTORY of OLD LONDON BRIDGE

The video provides a comprehensive overview of the history and significance of Old London Bridge, detailing its construction, architectural features, and its role in the city of London from medieval times until its eventual demolition in the 19th century.
It examines its Historical Importance: Old London Bridge was the only bridge spanning the River Thames in London until 1729, making it a critical entry point to the city from the south.
Early Constructions: Initial timber bridges were constructed at the site during Saxon and Norman times, with a significant timber bridge built in 1163 under King Henry II's direction.
The Construction of a Permanent Stone Bridge: The construction of a permanent stone bridge began in 1176, supervised by Peter of Colechurch, and completed in 1209 with nineteen narrow pointed arches.
Engineering Challenges: Building the stone bridge involved driving wooden piles into the riverbed to create platforms called sterlings, which supported the stone piers and arches.
Impact on River Flow: The narrow openings between the bridge piers created rapids that were difficult to navigate, leading to the tradition of 'shooting the bridge'.
Frost Fairs: The bridge's impact on river flow caused the Thames to freeze upstream during the mini ice age, leading to the tradition of frost fairs on the ice.
Bridge Buildings: Buildings, including shops and houses, were constructed on the bridge, creating a southern suburb of London, with a chapel dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury.
Defensive Structures: The bridge had defensive features, including a drawbridge and gates, which were tested during Jack Cade's rebellion in 1450.
Grisly Tradition: The heads of traitors were displayed on spikes at the bridge, a tradition that began with William Wallace in 1305 and continued until the late seventeenth century.
Demolition and Replacement: By the early 18th century, the bridge was deteriorating, leading to its eventual demolition and replacement by John Rennie's new bridge in 1831.

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[jamieknight]

“The relocation of the head display was due to a redevelopment project” 😂

This made me giggle so much. A wonderfully understand phrase delivered in your wonderful style. Thanks for these Dr. They are brilliant :)

[VincentGroenewold]

I always found the old London bridge feel so lively, quite unique and sad no such a design is seen anymore. The 60's design is amazingly boring in that sense. :)

[carolescutt]

Dr Allan of Barton 😊 now my 81 yr old mum watches your uploads with me and thoroughly enjoys your style and wonderful content. THank you for that alone sir ❤❤

[CopenhagenDreaming]

I've made this comment to several other youtubers, but you deserve it as well: In this age of AI-generated slop it is so lovely to watch a video made and narrated by an actual human being!

It's just better on every level - plus, on a personal note, I just really enjoy your voice.

[rhiannonpoole]

As ever, beautifully presented, thank you Sir!

[BMWseries]

What an interesting video. All the houses along it must have been a majestic sight! Thank you. John.

[danielpetersen]

I have the honor of having crossed the London Bridge in BOTH locations - London in the early 1960's and several times in Arizona.

[donnaorton]

Wonderful video! I had no idea the buildings on the bridge were so large!Also the old engravings are so clearly marked.
And Oh! Those heads on the spikes!!

[huohization]

One day I will visit London. The sheer amount of history there is just incredible. Everywhere you look there are buildings that are hundreds of years old. I could spend a lifetime just walking around letting my imagination fly and that's just London, would take many lifetimes to do the whole Islands.

[Ampasss]

I hope one day this beautiful bridge can be rebuilt! would bring a fun tourist destination to the city!

[bessofhardwick]

The old London Bridge did well to last so long and bear all that weight and architectural redevelopment. Thanks for this fascinating video.

[Theodisc]

There were houses on the bridges of Paris as well (the Pont Nôtre Dame, for example) until they were demolished I believe around the time London's Bridge's ones were. It is funny how these two cities have echoed each other in development, borrowing from each other in many different facets over time. And of course later in the XVIIIIth c. Baron Haussmann nearly levelled all that was on the Île de la Cité (including the mediaeval Hôtel Dieu which spanned two banks) and demolished many of the bridges connecting that Isle so the new ones would line up and look better. He did leave the Pont Neuf (the New Bridge) at the Western tip of the Île de la Cité, which is now paradoxically the oldest bridge left in Paris.
Thank you, Allan for another fascinating upload. I'm sure there is also a model of old London Bridge somewhere. I do remember seeing it. I don't know how old it is, but I do so *love* models. 💙

[arrasonline]

Incredible work as always...thank you.

[paulbrookes]

Thanks again for a fascinating insight into Old and New London Bridges

[metallicman]

the etching at 13 min is so incredible

[ThomasHall-vlhf]

Allan, another brilliant video - your oxymoronic mastery of concise history with depth of fact and context is always such a calming and refreshing video.

I am routinely fascinated by Old London Bridge and repeatedly devastated that not much survives. What a true biography of London in a bridge! The stories it could tell…

[davidd]

Wonderfully educational Allan! Thanks again for this well made video!

[gevans]

I’ve always been interested in the old bridge. I would often go to St Magnus the Martyr and try and visualise the original bridge. They’ve got a few bits of masonry from the original bridge in the archway. It would have been a marvellous sight! Thanks

[annettewillis]

Brilliant and informative expose of the old London Bridge Allan! Truly a remarkable piece of engineering! I never thought about it causing rapids and the Thames to freeze but its obvious when you see the arches and realise how strong the Thames tides can be. The heads are a grisly reminder of vengeance on display for all to see who has power over life and death. Thanks as always Allan.

[Caroline]

The Turner painting is beautiful. Thanks Allan 🙏Those spiked heads 🥺