The History of the London Bridge Area

When people hear the words “London Bridge,” their minds will often go to one of two points. The first is the nursery rhyme about London Bridge falling down. The second is the famous and unremarkable bridge itself – not to be confused with the stunning Tower Bridge.

Beyond the bridge, however, is a surrounding area that certainly is remarkable. The London Bridge area isn’t just one of the main tourist hotspots in the capital, but it is also a thriving hub for local and international businesses. Modern structures are interspersed with historic sights, and there’s an endless selection of eateries, bars, cafes, and attractions that entice locals and visitors alike.

Yet it has not always been like that.

In fact, London Bridge doesn’t exactly have the most stellar history. This article will take a quick look at the past for this area and see how it compares today.

The notorious history of the London Bridge area

During the Tudor times, the London Bridge area technically fell outside the city boundaries, which meant the London elders had no control over what took place in the area. The result: the London Bridge area was a focal point for prohibited activities.

This included prostitution, bear- and bull-baiting, and theatre. The latter might not seem an issue, but at the time, theatre was at the height of immorality. During the medieval period, prostitution was supported by the creation of a red-light district – London’s first – due to the number of taverns that sprouted up to serve tourists.

London Bridge wasn’t simply a hotspot for visitors seeking a spot of immoral pleasure. The Thames could only be crossed by London Bridge, which meant travelers going south from London had to pass through the area.

Even though it was one of the grimiest areas in the capital, London Bridge produced a number of historical landmarks – from theatres to Borough Market – that have stood for centuries.

The London Bridge area today: A thriving hub of business and tourism

It’s fair to say that the London Bridge area has cleaned itself up. Today, it is a prosperous – and highly popular – setting for businesses. There are hundreds of offices available right now to rent (as found at The Workplace Company), which showcases its current standing as a business hub. These offices are usually found in modern builds, but there are certain options where state-of-the-art business facilities are located within historic structures.

Speaking of historic structures, the likes of Borough Market and the Tower of London remain as popular as ever. Yet it is not just about historic attractions for locals and tourists to enjoy. Modern creations like The Shard, London Eye, and Tate Modern have joined these renowned landmarks.

When you throw in a plethora of shops, dining options ranging from food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, and trendy nightlife hotspots, it is easy to see why London Bridge is one of the most popular areas – now for the right reasons – in Central London today.