Description
The area defined as London Bridge has the bridge at its centre and stretches west to Bankside and east to Tower Bridge. It merges into Borough in the south and includes the famous Borough Market. It is primarily a business district and, as a world-renowned location attracts tourists from around the world. There are many restaurants and bars and iconic buildings, e.g. The Shard and the historic riverfront.
The area has benefited from massive developments over the last few years The largest of which is More London, where there are now 20,000 people employed by top international professional companies. The most prominent is the Shard, already an international icon. There are also numerous small developments, many of which have been informed by KALMARs agency team.
History
The Romans were the first to bridge the Thames in almost 2000 years ago. The Roman roads of Stane Street and Watling Street lead to it from the south coast. There followed a series of timber bridges and a stone medieval bridge that was in use for 600 years until the 19th century. The current bridge dates from 1973.
As the only bridge in London before the 1700s, it was a major transport hub and settlements grew on the north and south sides. This was the centre of London's seafaring trade in the Pool of London and the area bustled with cargo ships, ferries, wharves, and warehouses. The area was also the start of the pilgrimage to Canterbury made famous by Chaucer's Canterbury Tales from the 1300s.
Leisure & Amenities
Places to go and things to do:
- There is a vast array of attractions in the area including:
- Borough Market
- The London Bridge Experience
- The View from the Shard
- HMS Belfast
- The Clink Prison museum
- The Golden Hinde replica
- Southwark Cathedral
- Old Operating Theatre Museum
- City Cruise
- London Bridge Pier
- City Hall
Active Life:
- Riverside walks
- Fitness First gym
- Marlborough Sports Garden
Eating and drinking ideas:
- There is a wide-ranging selection including:
- Borough Market
- Restaurants in The Shard
- Restaurants and cafes in Hay's Galleria
- Horniman pub
- George Inn
- The Refinery bar
- Boot & Flogger bar
Transport
- London Bridge station is a major London terminal with trains north to the City and West End and south to the coast.
- The underground serves the Jubilee and Northern lines.
- Numerous bus routes cross London Bridge.
Education
- Guys & St Thomas' Medical School
- British School of Osteopathy