London's Tower Bridge – a walk on the very top is an unforgettable experience

“London Bridge Is Falling Down” was one of my childhood nursery rhymes…. Today I don’t think any nursery rhymes are taught to children as the teachers probably don’t know them or are too woke about them !! This particular rhyme dates back to the 18th century England.

It was first published in 1744 in the “Pretty Song Book” a collection by Tommy Thumb. However, it is difficult to state the exact origin of its lyrics, but it can relate to the London Bridge’s history, one of the most well-known bridges in London.You need to buy a ticket in advance. To get to the entry point entails walking the whole bridge and then doing a U-turn, if you come down the wrong side ! You have the option of climbing up to the top or taking the lift (elevator). That was my preferred option. There is a stiff security check so less you carry the better. Go on a weekday and as early as possible to beat the crowds.

Walking the bridge is an awesome experience. You see the river Thames from up above in both directions very clearly to quite a distance. Also, the authorities have taken great care to educate us about the history of the bridge. There are well written panels detailing every aspect of the construction – these are replicated for you below. 

London's Tower Bridge has actually fallen many times over the years;. being re-built stronger each time. The song was one of the most popular singing-games world over, translated and adapted in many languages, especially in Europe – eg  Denmark: “Knippelsbro Gar Op og Ned”, France: “Pont chus”, Italy “Le porte”, Germany: “Die Magdeburger Bruck” and Romania “Podul de piatra”.

I have to refer to Wikipedia for the historical background ---" Originally a wooden bridge, London Bridge’s history dates to the Roman occupation era, around AD50. It was destroyed several times and rebuilt during the Viking and Saxon invasions and natural disasters such as the 1091 tornado or the great fire of 1135.

The construction of the first Medieval London Bridge was started in 1176 and continued for 33 years, under Peter de Colechurch’s instructions. The new stone bridge, completed in 1209, was designed with 19 arches and a gatehouse accessed by a drawbridge. It was populated with around 200 shops and businesses, so crossing the river became really hard. The bridge’s endurance was also put in danger by carrying such a heavy charge on it. The shops above it, among others, affected London Bridge’s strength. Although the bridge was not destroyed in the 1666 fire, its stability was seriously deteriorated.

A new construction of London Bridge was started in the 19th century, replacing the old one, demolished in 1831. The actual London Bridge is an even more recent edifice, started during the 1960s. The demolished bridge in 1831 was sold out, and stone by stone it was moved and re-assembled in a new place in Lake Havasu, Arizona”.

When you are about midway, you see the folks in front of you slowing down; contemplating which way to walk. Then you see the glass floor and realize why they hesitate – is it strong enough ? Frankly I also was concerned but I was more interested in taking photos of the scene far below and of people walking on the glass. So I zigzagged my way across! The road below is like toy land and the cars are Dinky cars….except they are moving slowly due to traffic. In one of them, you see an open top London bus!

When you finish walking, and you have come down to holy earth, you exit and walk to the end of the bridge to see the Engine Room. That in itself is a learning experience.                                                                             Here there are guides who show you around or you just walk around yourself reading the captions of the panels etc. The mechanical equipment is kept spotlessly clean.                                           

These stickers are distributed to young children as a memento of their visit to the Bridge. 

 Finally, there are large panels honouring the stalwarts who gave their lives to the efficient functioning of the Bridge.

Its important that you take your time, read each panel, see the scenery and then go see the engine room. Don’t get lost in the Bridge shop which is large and sells every conceivable gift item you will never use. Keep a good few hours for the trip.  You will appreciate all that went in to making of the bridge and the difficulties endured in those days when there were no computers with architecture apps or cellphones or GPS !

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