London bridge

views updated May 29 2018

London bridge, for centuries the sole thread across the Thames, saw both ceremonial entries into the city and rebellious challenges; the gruesome custom of displaying traitors' heads above the gatehouse, commenced with William Wallace (1305), was discontinued in 1661. Rennie's 1831 stone bridge was sold and re-erected (1971) in Arizona.

A. S. Hargreaves