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Falling Down, Falling Down...Not so's you'd Notice!
Posted: Thursday, September 15, 2011
by Christofer French
Rain Dancer Associates, LLC
Even in Roman times there was a bridge over the River Thames in "Londinium" made in the “quick Roman way” with floating boats and flat wooden structures. After the Romans left, there was a time when London was virtually, almost not even a city, but as History marched forward more attempts to build a London Bridge took place; but the first famous bridge was the engineering marvel of the early Middle Ages. They even put a Chapel at the apex of the bridge.
Everyone is familiar with the traditional nursery rhyme, “London Bridge is Falling Down.” People will argue over the real true origin of the haunting childlike rhyme, but no one can argue its fame. The tune and the lyric are wistful and beguiling. However the history of the bridge is complex and dramatic.
The 1209 Bridge
In 1209 a massive stone bridge was opened over the river Thames. Its massive quality allowed for heavy use and much economic activity and construction on top of it.
It didn’t take long for people to realize the potential of this new prime real estate and by the late 1200’s the bridge was completely lined with multi-story structures straddling each side of the bridge (some extending out over the water). The bottom floor was comprised of businesses while the upper floors became the most desirable housing in medieval London.
The problem, as you can likely tell by the sole musical remnant of this once massive structure, is that it quite literally crumbled.
600 Years Later a"New" (19th-century) London Bridge
By the end of the 18th century, it was apparent that the old London Bridge — by then over 600 years old — needed to be replaced. By this time, through congestion, over use, crowding and should we say: AGE, the Bridge had become narrow and decrepit, and blocked river traffic. In 1799, a competition for designs to replace the old bridge was held.
The bridge was eventually replaced by a structure of five stone arches, designed by engineer John Rennie. The new bridge was built 100 feet (30 m) west (upstream) of the original site by Rennie’s Son, also named John. Work began in 1824 and the foundation stone was laid, in the southern coffer dam, on 15 June 1825. The old bridge was not utterly decrepit. It continued in use while the new bridge was being built, and was finally demolished after the latter opened in 1831.
The 1830’s Bridge – After Widening – Sinking an Inch Every 8 Years
In 1896, it was estimated that the bridge was the busiest point in London, with 8,000 people crossing the bridge on foot and 900 crossing in vehicles every hour. London Bridge was widened in 1902–04 in an attempt to combat London's chronic traffic congestion. In the end, the widening work proved too much for the bridge's foundations; it was subsequently discovered that the bridge was sinking an inch every eight years. By 1924, the east side of the bridge was some three to four inches lower than the west side; it soon became apparent that this bridge would have to be removed and replaced with a more modern one. But still nothing happened for 40 more years.
“I Say, Anyone Want to Buy a Bridge?”
In 1962, it was discovered that the London Bridge was sure enough actually "falling down," just like the historic or could we say “prophetic” nursery rhyme, sinking into the Thames because it was not adequate for the increase in traffic. The City of London finally decided to put the 130-year old bridge up for auction, and construct a new one in its place.
McCulloch snapped it up for $2,460,000, then spent more than twice that amount to have 10,276 granite blocks shipped to Long Beach, California, trucked to Lake Havasu City, and painstakingly reassembled. He spent $7million to move the London Bridge to Lake Havasu City which took a total of three years. The bridge was shipped by boat 10,000 miles to Long Beach, California. From there, it was trucked to Lake Havasu City where it was stored in seven-acre fenced storage compound. On September 23, 1968, the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Gilbert Inglefield, laid the corner stone. Robert Beresford, a civil engineer from Nottingham, England was in charge of the reconstruction of the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City.
Construction of a new bridge over the River Thames coincided with the dismantling of the old London Bridge. The new bridge was built directly over the old bridge. This new construction was managed in such a way so that London never lost one day of traffic while transferring from the old bridge to the new one.
The Colorado River – A Mighty Reason for All these Goings On
Reconstructing the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City was done in the same manner as the Egyptians built pyramids. Sand mounds beneath each arch were carefully formed to the profile of the original bridge arches, serving the same function as molds. When work was completed the sand was removed. A one-mile channel was dredged and water was diverted from the lake, under the Bridge, then back into the lake. The deal also included ornate lampposts said to have been made from Napoleon's cannons captured at Waterloo in 1815.
The reconstructed London Bridge was dedicated in Lake Havasu City on October 10, 1971 with many British and Arizona officials participating in this event which drew 50,000 officials, tourists and curious onlookers.
London Bridge may be one of the stranger sights on the Arizona desert, but it certainly put Lake Havasu City on the map. More has been added since—an English Village complete with shops, galleries, pub, a double-decker bus, and even bright-red British telephone booths. Nearby London Bridge Resort adds more English atmosphere. The addition of a water channel really helped. At first, the bridge spanned only dry land. Now you walk or drive across London Bridge to reach the campgrounds, RV parks, beaches, marina, and other facilities on the new island.
The great and mighty Colorado River, starting in the upper reaches of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado is one of the main arterial sources of water in the West. It waters several states and the providing of water for crops sent around the world. It also makes a very big stop at Hoover Dam, creating Lake Mead and provides power for Las Vegas, the rest of Nevada and Southern California. By the time it finally works its way down to Mexico, a mere trickle of its former self, it does get to observe a charming piece of history that once observed commerce and history in a far off European Capital. An odd piece of history melded together with images from other places, and a strange beguiling nursery rhyme; it does nevertheless constitute an excellent reason to visit Lake Havasu City, in the middle of the desert next to a mighty American river.
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http://www.arizonahandbook.com/LHC.htm
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Christofer French is a Father of Four and a Grandfather of Six. He has been in beautiful Colorado for over 30 years. He had a 25 year paralegal career framed by counseling in the 70's and 90's (pastoral, career and relationships counseling) He is an ordained minister, obtained a Masters in Psychology, and then, in 2003, a Psy.D. at California Coast University. Little Brown published his book, "The Professional Paralegal Job Search" in 1995. He has also written a book with an astrological emphasis about "How to Get Along With All Those Sun Signs". He continues his work as a Life Coach, Counselor, Author and Writer under the umbrella concept "Syncretism" --The artful way of blending diverse beliefs and philosophies. His self-described approach is to be a "Scholar on the Paths of the Human Spirit". His blog is astrologygetalong.com, discussing global issues, cosmic questions, human relations challenges and personal achievement.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
What a great article. History, drama, travelog and fine writing. You did it again!
Arlene Wright-Correll
Thanks so much Arlene. It's just a tale that is so compelling. Covers hundreds of years, ends up near Las Vegas, the perfect crazy American story coupled with English grandeur. I appreciate your notice.
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