London Bridge

“London Bridge is falling down” or “broken down” is one of the most recognizable children's phrases across the English-speaking world. Generations have known this song both as a game and a nursery rhyme in England and across the world.

The earliest known English text dates from the 18th century (Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book, 1744). There are some indications that the game dates back further, to the 16th century. It has also been suggested that the origin of the rhyme relates to King Olaf of Norway destroying London Bridge in 1008; there is some debate over the exact date, as it has also been noted as 1014. The rhyme is said to symbolize the many London Bridges that have been built and destroyed in history. Is it also been suggested that the refrain “My fair lady” refers to a tradition and myth that burying a virgin in the foundations of a bridge would ensure its strength.

As a singing game, it is most commonly associated with two children forming an arch by raising and joining their hands to form the bridge. Other children file through the arch in a single file, holding the waist or clothes of the person in front. They all sing the rhyme, and at a certain point, the arch is lowered and a child is caught. The child is asked to choose a side, and they stand behind one of the arches. Children play the game until all children are behind the arches. The game is usually ended by a tug of war to decide which arch wins the game.

Other game variations: When a child is caught the bridge sways the child back and forth until they choose an arch to stand behind. Children captured by the bridge are held in a marked area known as the “Tower of London,” and after all children are caught, a game of Tag ensues. The first two children caught by the bridge makers form the arch for the next game. When a child is captured by the bridge they choose which arch maker to replace, the former arch rejoins the other children in the line.

There are a number of verses and variations of the rhyme London Bridge. The most common first verse known in England is:

London Bridge is falling down; Falling down, falling down, London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady.

The first English printed version of London Bridge had five verses. However, the game has been played singing 10 different verses. There also are over 20 other verse variations in English alone.

London Bridge is also known as Broken Bridge (Scotland), Le Pont Levis (France), Die Messner Brücke, Zieh Durch or Die Goldene Brücke (Germany), Charleston Bridge (United States), and Podul de Piatra (Romania). Other European countries known to play and have variations of London Bridge include Spain, Holland, Denmark, Italy, and Hungary.