Explore The Illustrious Past of London Bridge Station

London Bridge Station is not only the oldest station of London, but even amongst the earliest globally. The station on the southern bank of River Thames gives access to Luton and Gatwick airports.

London Bridge Station gets its name from the first and original bridge that was built across The Thames around 40AD when Britain was part of the Roman Empire. The rhyme ‘London Bridge is falling down’ is based on this historic bridge which in Roman times was made of wood and clay. The station, earliest in London and one of the oldest in the world was opened in 1836. Londoners staying in Sussex and Bedford and willing to travel to Luton in the north, Gatwick and Brighton in the south, and Kent in the east avail trains at London Bridge Station.

The station has undergone several reconstructions with the last being done in 2012 that included creation of the Shard, new bus stand and concourses connecting this bus stand to railway platforms. London Bridge Station serves both underground and surface railways. Underground railways are operated by Jubilee Line and Northern Line, while surface railways are operated by Southern Trains, Thameslink, and South East Trains. The best thing about staying near London Bridge Station is its nearness to major tourist destinations.

The London Bridge Station is in Southwark, on the southern side of the Thames. Close to this station are The Shard, City Hall, Borough Market, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Just across the London Bridge on the northern banks are Monument to the Great Fire, Tower of London, St. Pauls’ Cathedral, and Bank of England Museum. To the east of London Bridge in River Thames is HMS Belfast, a warship on display for visitors.

The Shard – The Shard is an 87-floor skyscraper and most easily recognised structure from even a distance. This tallest building in European Union is the latest addition to London’s skyline. Owned by The State of Qatar and Stellar Property Group, this building includes an observatory, hotels, restaurants, offices, and residences. The observatory is covers 68^th to 72^nd floors, while 73^rd floor upwards till 87^th floor is the spire.

Monument to the Great Fire – If The Shard adorns the southern end of London Bridge, then the Monument to the Great Fire embellishes its northern end. This Doric columnar structure of Portland stone with a gilded urn of fire at the apex was erected to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666. The column of height 202 ft was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke. If The Shard is the tallest building in London, The Monument is the city’s tallest isolated stone column. Hotels in Lancaster Gate offer easy access to both these impeccable London structures.

Bank of England Museum – This free museum chronicles the history of British banking since the inception of Bank of England in 1694. Bank of England is the country’s central bank and its museum is worth a visit. You get to see coins, bank notes and documents related to historic personalities like Nelson, Duchess of Marlborough and George Washington. Gold bars from ancient period till modern times are also on display.

HMS Belfast – HMS Belfast, a warship used during Second Word War, is now part of Imperial War Museums. Visitors are allowed on board for exploring this warship in totality. There are ‘shell rooms’, interactive operations room, and nine decks. Children within 15 years of age are allowed free entrance.