London Bridge....question?

Question:

London Bridge....question?

I have another question for our Yahoo patrons across the water in London. First, has London Bridge always been called that, I am particularly interested in what it was called in the 14th century, and how near is it to St. Paul's Cathedral? If too far away is there another bridge within say walking distance of any bridge across the Thames? And if so which bridge & have you any idea how old that bridge would be? I know there is Blackfriar's bridge & Westminster Bridge.

Or is there any other large church or cathedral within walking distance of any of the bridges in existence in the 14th century (assuming of course that the church was also there during that time). I am still researching for my story, and by the way thank you all very much for your excellent and immediate response to my last question.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hi!

There's been a bridge across the Thames in the place London Bridge is now for longer than history records, although the first major bridge was probably built by the Romans about two thousand years ago. It's unclear how long it's been called "London Bridge," but it was certainly called that when "Old" London Bridge was built in 1209. There's evidence that the "London Bridge is Falling Down" rhyme is older than "Old" London Bridge, though. It's quite likely that it's been called that since the Romans built it.

It's about half a mile from St. Paul's Cathedral. I'd call that walking distance, but there are three bridges that are closer (and some railway bridges). The closest bridge to St. Paul's directly south, a modern footbridge called the Millennium Bridge, and it was built in 2000. The other two close bridges are Blackfriars Bridge, built in 1769 and rebuilt in 1869; and Southwark Bridge, built in 1819 and rebuilt in 1921.

London Bridge was London's only bridge over the Thames in the 14th century. Directly south of the bridge (only about 300 feet) is Southwark Cathedral, which was already very old in the 14th century. This is probably what you want.

If you want something smaller, there was another church a bit further south (still nearby) where St. George the Martyr is today. To the north, about half a mile away, was (and is) the church of St Helen's Bishopsgate.

So: 14th century, one bridge, Southwark Cathedral directly south, St. Paul's Cathedral half a mile north, and a few smaller churches nearby.

Here's a satelite view of Southwark Cathedral:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&ge...

I had fun researching this, and I hope it helps with your story. Good luck!