London Bridge Area
Borough
High Street
Borough High Street, the road that leads off from London Bridge, has
always been one of the great highways of England. It was not only the
main road to the Continent, but also for Canterbury, so may kings, clergyment,
ambassadors, pilgrims, armies etc, have travelled this route. What remains
from pervious times are the many yards, most of which used to be coaching
inns, very few remain today, but a good surviving example is the George
Inn in George Inn Yard, which was built in 1677.
The White Hart Inn in White Hart Lane is mentioned in Shakespearse's Henry
4. In Talbot Yard used to the the site of the Talbot Inn, where Chaucers
pilgrims started their treck to Canterbury. A pillory used to stand in
the middle of the street unitl 1620.
In 1676 a fire destroyed most
of the northern end of the street. In 1830
as part ot a street widening scheme most of the building on the western
side of the street were torn down.
 Southwark
Cathedral
Close to the bridge is Southwark Cathedral. The first church on this
site was built in the 7 century by a local ferrymen. In the 9 century
the church was rebuilt by St Swithun. In 1212
the church was burned down and rebuilding begun in 1220.
In 1393 there was a further
fire and in 1469 the stone
vaulted roof collapsed, to be replaces with a wooden one. The current
tower was added in 1689. In
1897 it was made a Cathedral.
 Borough
Market
Underneath the railway lines at the junction of Borough High Street and
Southwark Street is Borough Market, it is thought to be the oldest fruit
and vegetable market in London. The traders originally had their pitches
at the southern end of the bridge, but were moved off as they caused a
nuisance.
Guys Hospital
 Along
St. Thomas Street is Guy's Hospital, which was founded in 1721
by Thomas Guy. The old buildings date from 1726, and the new towers from
1975.
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