Takes us into the City over the 1960s-era London Bridge. Keep to the right of the bridge.
London Bridge
Take in the splendid views towards Tower Bridge in the east. A bridge of some form has graced this location since Roman times, serving as the sole Thames crossing below Kingston until the unveiling of Westminster Bridge in 1750. Though the current London Bridge, a functional concrete structure built between 1962 and 1972, may lack charm, its historical significance as a vital link is unmistakable.
At the north side of London Bridge, walk down to Grant’s Quay Wharf via the steps. There is a public terrace with river views (signposted)
But the first bit of greenery reached is the garden of the Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr. The archway reached was the extension of the historic Old London Bridge.
A 20-foot-long model of Old London Bridge is permanently on display in the Church. Open Tue-Fri 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Lower Thames Street
Follow Lower Thames Street under the bridge. ’Thames Street’ is mentioned in the diary of Samuel Pepys. Its first recorded mention dates back to 1013 when the custom house was established on the street. During the reign of King Henry VIII, Thames Street was home to the London residences of numerous courtiers. Among them was William Compton, whose residence supposedly served as a meeting place for Henry VIII and his mistresses. The street was later split into Lower and Upper sections. We’ll enter the Upper section but leave it almost immediately.
Arthur Street
Arthur Street was built in 1835 as part of the improved approaches to the new (1831) London Bridge.
The reason for the name is not known. It was, before 1911, split into East and West sections with only the west section remaining.
Bank tube station required the construction of a substantial shaft in Arthur Street to access it. This shaft, in the process of being excavated, traversed through layers of human history, leading to the discovery of Roman remains.
Opposite the top end of Arthur Street was the location of King William Street station – the terminus of the very first tube railway (1890). It’s on the right corner of Monument Street (Waitrose).
King William Street
King William Street stretches from its northern end at the intersection with Lombard Street, near the church of St Mary Woolnoth, in a southeast direction to Monument junction. At Monument junction, it meets Gracechurch Street and Cannon Street before continuing southward towards London Bridge.
Constructed between 1829 and 1835, the road derives its name from the reigning monarch of that era, King William IV.
We’ll follow it until the Monument junction and then dive underground to demonstrate “Monument for Bank”.
We’ll take the Central Line one stop east to Liverpool Street or if there’s a strike on, bus 15 then 25 (change at Aldgate East)