Old London Bridge, historical artwork. 17th Century drawing of the original London Bridge spanning the River Thames. By the end of the 18th century old London bridge was over 600 years old and needed to be replaced as it was run-down, clogged with shops and houses, and blocked river traffic. In 1824 work began on a new bridge 30 metres upriver from the original. The old bridge remained in use as the new one was being built, and was demolished after it opened in 1831. This replacement was itself replaced by the modern London Bridge, built between 1967 and 1972. Drawn by the cartographer William Morgan around 1682.