If you want to see the 19th-century version of London Bridge, don't travel to London — or even England, for that matter. Instead, head to the American Southwest. While the historic bridge did indeed once span the River Thames, it's been in Lake Havasu, Arizona, since the 1970s. So how — and why — was it moved?
As is the case with many nursery rhymes, the precise origins of "London Bridge Is Falling Down" are hard to pin down. Also as with many nursery rhymes, they're assumed to be fairly dark. Though everything from a bridge suffering normal wear and tear to child sacrifice has been floated as a possible interpretation, the most widely held belief is that "London Bridge" is about King of Norway Olaf II and his fellow Vikings allegedly destroying said bridge in the early 1000s. As for the fair lady, there's even more disagreement about her true identity. Some think the reference is to the Virgin Mary, whom Londoners credited with protecting the rest of their city from similar destruction, while others believe Eleanor of Provence or another royal consort is the lady in question.
Today's edition of Interesting Facts waswritten by Michael Nordineandedited by Bess Lovejoy.
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