{"product_id":"books-london-bridge-by-bruce-watson","title":"London Bridge","description":"London developed as a port and a city because of the Thames  estuary, which offers an excellent navigable routeway from the  North Sea westwards far into central England. The Romans realised  that it was the most convenient place to bridge the estuary, and  constructed a series of bridges, which apparently went out of use  during the 4th century AD. The Thames was not bridged again until  c.1000 AD when the first of a series of timber bridges was  erected, initially to prevent Viking raiders sailing upstream.  The great stone bridge lined with houses was constructed  c1176-1209. Twice in 1281-2 and 1437, parts of the stone bridge  were broken by a combination of ice and neglect. It was demolished in 1831-2 after the construction of a new bridge  upstream. This volume is based on the 1984 investigation of the  Southwark medieval bridge abutment and combines the  archaeological, architectural, historical and pictorial evidence  for London's greatest bridge. The scene of battles and pageants,  London Bridge was also where the 'keep left' on the road rule  began in 1722.","brand":"World of Books ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53507964305681,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781901992182.jpg?v=1778138930","url":"https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/products\/books-london-bridge-by-bruce-watson","provider":"World of Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}