8-2LondonBridge

London Bridges (Constantly) Falling Down, Falling Down //Answer prepared by Joey J// The London Bridge has a history that most people do not even know about. BBC states that the first actual London Bridge was made in 43 A.D. by the Romans. The Romans were looking for a way across the Thames River and at the time, planks laid across a row of anchored boats, would be adequate for now. The bridge itself has been rebuilt many times, though in 1014, it was pulled down by Vikings that were in an intense skirmish with the Saxons. Again the London Bridge was rebuilt and this time was to be constructed of stone. It was completed by 1209 and it lasted over 600 years. Everything was fine until around 1821 when a committee was appointed by Parliament to consider the bridge's condition. They advised that a new bridge should be built and it was decided to be built about 100 feet west from the old bridge. This bridge was very different from the other models, because this London Bridge was built out of granite, which was quarried on Dartmoor. This project was completed in 1831. As you may already know, in 1962, it was discovered that the London Bridge was actually falling down. This was probably due to the large amount of traffic that it was not necessarily built for. Something very odd happened though, a man from Arizona purchased the bridge. It was dismantled and sent to Arizona, while a brand new bridge was created in the same spot.

The London Bridge was used for many different purposes. The London Bridge was a path that was created for people of the Elizabethan Era to have an easier time traveling over the Thames River. One of the more cruel uses of the London Bridge during the Elizabethan Era was that it was used as a display. William Shakespeare info says that when criminals were punished, some would receive the fate of being beheaded. The traitors head would then be placed upon a stake. The stake would then be positioned on the London Bridge to set an example to the people of Britain. Another use of the bridge transportation. The London Bridge is very helpful and beneficial because it allowed the people of Britain a much quicker trip across the Thames River. Instead of taking awhile to prepare the boat to sail across, you could just walk on over. Also, it allowed for carriages to cross the river in a more convenient way. I think that the bridge is a monument for Britain. Most people, when they think of Britain, will think of the London Bridge because it is a huge landmark. Another amazing thing is that BBC says that the bridge was home to houses (building started on the houses before the bridge was complete), shops, a chapel, and gatehouses at both ends. It even boasted one of the new 'public conveniences' when they arrived a century later. This is one of the features of Britain that made it unique from other countries. BBC also remarks that dwellings were up to four storyies high, and documents in 1358 show that there were 138 shops on the bridge at that time. The bridge was so crowded that there were only three places where visitors could gather to look over the edge of the bridge. The bridge itself was like its own community in a way because it has so much activity going on. The London Tower is directly next to the London Bridge. It is an important part of the London Bridge history because most people make the mistake of thinking the london Tower is the London Bridge. Pictures have been deceiving and were saying that the London Tower was the London Bridge. Springfield k12 acknowledges that the London Tower is surrounded by a moat on three sides and the Thames River on the fourth. The outside fortifications consist of Legge's and Brass Mount. The Legge's Mount serves as protection on the Northwest side of the London Tower. The Brass Mount is located on the northeast angle of the Tower of London. The Brass Mount got it's name from the enormous brass cannons that were used at the London Tower during the seventeenth century. During the Elizabethan Era it was crowded with prisons. Torturing and execution happened often because Britain at the time had little leeway for criminals and traitors. It was a dismal and a dreary sight. It was the most feared place during the Elizabethan Era. Today the Tower of London is a popular tourist sight where the crown jewels are kept. They are guarded in the Jewel House in the Waterloo Block. The Tower of London also holds a museum of old armor and weaponry that were used by the people in the Elizabethan Era. Hopefully, with today's architects, we can keep the Tower Bridge standing for longer than ever imagined. [] Works Cited "Elizabethan Crime and Punishment." //William Shakespeare info//. 2005. William Shakespeare Site-Map. 14 Apr 2009 . "London Bridge." //BBC. October 1, 2004. h2g2. 14 Apr 2009 < http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2966844>. // Lowman, Paul. "The Tower of London." //Templateeliz. District 186. 14 Apr 2009 < http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/TowerofLondon.html>. //