The story of Old London Bridge is a turbulent and varied one, spanning over 600 years from 1176 to 1832. In every period, the bridge was the focal point for war and conflict, from early Viking raids to the Civl War. In times of peace, the bridge was thriving commercial centre and an arena for many pleasures including spectacular national ceremonies, races, pageants, jousts and regattas. Thousands lived and died in the "town on the bridge", a bustling community of merchants, craftsmen, thieves and rogues. Many stories are intertwined with that of Old London Bridge and the author weaves them together in this social history of London. She describes each stage in the bridge's history in a detailed narrative and peppered with colourful characters - monarchs and traitors, priests and pilgrims, artists and writers.