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Why is the London Bridge famous?

It's used as a symbol of London and is recognisable to visitors from all over the world – even if the majority of people don't know what it is actually called. London Bridge – London Bridge has existed in one form or another for nearly 2,000 years now. It's the site of the oldest crossing of the River Thames on record.



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Fun Facts About The London Bridge
  • Kaboom! The vintage lamps on the bridge are made from the melted-down cannons of Napoleon Bonaparte's army.
  • The London Bridge is rumored to be haunted. ...
  • The inside of the bridge is hollow because it was rebuilt in order to accommodate auto traffic. ...
  • The London Bridge is a movie star!


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It had been the only link between the city and the south bank of the Thames for over 1,700 years. Its history as a focal point of the national road network, such as it was in the pre-modern era, had earned the bridge a certain fame and it was one of the sights of Britain, if not Europe.

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The current colour scheme dates back to 1977. 'The bridge was painted blue, white and red in preparation for the Queen's Silver Jubilee' explains Baty. When it had a £4m overhaul 11 years ago the team decided to stick with the longest-standing hue.

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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.

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By 1962, it was not sturdy enough to carry the increased load of traffic; the bridge was sold by the City of London in April 1968 to make way for its replacement. The purchaser, Robert P. McCulloch, was an entrepreneur and real estate developer who founded Lake Havasu City.

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Don't Mix Up London Bridge and Tower Bridge London Bridge and Tower Bridge look very different, yet both are famous bridges in their own right, and both are must-see attractions in the city. Both bridges are free to walk across, and they're both in great locations surrounded by other amazing attractions.

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8 Fascinating Facts about Big Ben in London
  • We're not sure who Ben was - but we have a couple of ideas.
  • The Clock Tower took over 15 years to build.
  • Big Ben is a marvel of Victorian engineering.
  • Big Ben miraculously survived World War II.
  • The bells of Big Ben chime a distinctive melody.


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As if that wasn't enough, parts of the bridge collapsed on several occasions, including 1281, 1309, 1425 and 1437. The 1281 collapse happened when expanding ice from the frozen Thames literally crushed five of the arches.

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The Old Exe Bridge is a ruined medieval arch bridge in Exeter in south-western England. Construction of the bridge began in 1190, and was completed by 1214. The bridge is the oldest surviving bridge of its size in England and the oldest bridge in Britain with a chapel still on it.

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