These bridges were modest wooden assemblages that facilitated trade during the Roman occupation. The Middle Ages also saw a series of bridges built and destroyed during the various battles and conquests of the era. Only in 1209 was a more permanent structure built, what we now call the Old London Bridge. This bridge was eventually supplanted by the New London Bridge in the 19th century, and in turn by the current version in the 1970s. This London Bridge is a massive concrete structure that carries five lanes of traffic across the width of the Thames, a far cry from its predecessors.

Among the many London Bridges, the New London Bridge's story may be the most unusual. The bridge was designed by civil engineer John Rennie who was originally consulted by the city to see about renovating the Old London Bridge, but he found it beyond repair and recommended its destruction. Rennie drew up plans for a new iteration but died soon after authorization was given for the bridge. A competition was held for a design for the bridge, but ultimately Rennie’s plan was selected. Construction on the New London Bridge began in 1824 and lasted six years, with work supervised by Rennie’s sons.

As time wore on into the 20th century, the New London Bridge slowly began to sink into the Thames, burdened by the weight of modern traffic demands. Yet another version of the bridge would need to be built. But what to do about the current iteration? Rather than destroy a beloved landmark, the city decided to auction off the structure. In a bizarre historical episode, the New London Bridge was sold in 1968 to US industrialist Robert McCulloch to be disassembled and rebuilt in Arizona, over 5,000 miles away.

Robert McCulloch was an entrepreneur and land developer who made his bones building motors for racing cars and oversaw the production of the McCulloch Mc-4, one of the first dual-rotor helicopters. Not to be outdone, McCulloch produced the first handheld consumer-grade chainsaw, using a lightweight engine drawn from his motor company. Other inventions like a steam-powered automobile and the J-2 gyroplane flying car did not fare as well—ultimately, McCulloch is best remembered for his audacious stunt of buying the London Bridge.

Buoyed by his chainsaw sales, McCulloch started McCulloch Oil Corporation which in turn led him to explore property development. McCulloch's goals were considerable, he envisioned building an entirely new city in the Arizona desert to serve as a company town for his business. Lake Havasu City was founded in 1963 and was designed by Disneyland developer Cornelius Vanderbilt Wood Jr. McCulloch pulled out all the stops to court investors for the city but many balked at the remote location and extreme heat. To realize his dream, McCulloch needed something truly unique for his city.

This specimen from Mini Museum is from the New London Bridge, completed in 1831 and designed by celebrated civil engineer John Rennie. This bridge was built with granite and the pattern of this rock can be seen in the specimen cross sections. These pieces once sat in the historic River Thames, and can now be a part of your personal collection. They date all the way back to the Victorian era, when the bridge was constructed.