Until 1750, London Bridge was the only crossing point of the Thames into London.

The mediaeval bridge was replaced and moved slightly upstream in the 1820s, and this bridge was replaced in 1967 to 1972.

The view looks north. The Monument, the left of the two towers marks the starting point of the Great Fire of London. The tower of the church of St Magnus the Martyr also punctures the skyline of Victorian office buildings.

The density of pedestrian traffic is similar to today's but the number of lounging viewers is unusual. Many of these may have been casual labourers waiting for work on the Thames-side wharfs.