London Bridge is a bridge between London and Southwark over the River Thames. The current bridge was opened in 1973, and is the third bridge to occupy the spot after the first was tore down after seven hundred years, and the second was sold.

The nursery rhyme London Bridge is Falling Down was first printed in the mid 1700s. Its origins are are unknown, with some saying it references Viking attack, while others have a theory of Child sacrifice. A common belief is that it was a nod to the deterioration of the bridge, by then five hundred years old and a survivor of the great fire of London of 1666.

Many versions of the rhyme exist in various parts of the world, including Germany, France, Denmark, and even Korea. The most common English version begins with:

The musical rhyme and the bridge itself, have been referenced or featured in numerous Muppet projects.

Recordings

• Kermit sings of London Bridge in the book-and-tape set Sing Me a Story!

• An episode of Sesame Street features Little Chrissy, Big Jeffy and Elmo performing "London Bridges" on the street with Bob, and the kids. Later, Flo Bear performs her own version of the song.

• The Sesame Street Music Box Record Player by Fisher-Price features a record that plays a musical rendition of the rhyme.

References

• Baby Gonzo comes to the rescue of the bridge in the Muppet Babies book Gonzo Saves London Bridge.

• The Muppet Babies take on the Nursery Rhyme in the Big Book of Nursery Rhymes & Fairy Tales.

• Snuffy plays "London Bridge" with the kids in a 1972 episode of Sesame Street.

• Big Bird and Snuffy work together to become "London Bridge" for the kids in a 1988 episode.

• An Ernie puppet by Takara Tomy sings the song.

• Sue Heap illustrated Grover playing London Bridge with two children, for the October 2009 Sesame Street Magazine.