If London Bridge were really falling down, into which river would it land?

If London Bridge were really falling down, into which river would it land?

The correct answer is Thames. The historic London Bridge spans the River Thames in central London, England. The Thames is the most famous river in the United Kingdom, winding through London and playing a crucial role in the city’s history, economy, and culture. So, if London Bridge were truly “falling down,” it would land directly in the waters of the Thames.

London Bridge has existed in several forms for nearly 2,000 years, with the earliest versions built by the Romans around 50 AD. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt many times due to fires, decay, and expansion of the city. The medieval stone bridge, once lined with houses and shops, stood for over 600 years before being replaced in the 19th century. The version that stood from 1831 to 1967 was eventually dismantled and sold to an American entrepreneur, who reassembled it in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

The current modern London Bridge, completed in 1973, remains one of several crossings over the River Thames. It sits between Cannon Street Railway Bridge and Tower Bridge, often mistaken by tourists as the more ornate Tower Bridge. The famous nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down” has been sung for centuries, referencing the many times the structure required rebuilding and repair.

The River Thames has long been a defining symbol of London’s identity. Stretching over 215 miles, it flows from Gloucestershire through Oxford, Windsor, and London before reaching the North Sea. The river has inspired countless songs, poems, and historical events — from the Great Fire of London to royal regattas and modern-day marathons along its banks.

Fun fact: The name “Thames” comes from the Celtic word Tamesas, meaning “dark,” referring to the river’s often cloudy appearance.