London Bridge boundary stone

London Bridge was one of the great sights of medieval London. Foreigners remarked on its splendour and the many 'dwelling-houses ... built above workshops' belonging to 'diverse craftsmen'. By 1358, the bridge supported 138 houses and shops and the rental income was used in maintaining the structure. Additional funds were obtained from tolls paid for carts passing over the bridge, vessels passing under the bridge and fines for unlawful fishing from the bridge. Wardens were appointed by the City to administer the revenues and this plaque, bears the Wardens' mark and the inscription 'Annodni/1509'. By the 1400s income from London Bridge was administered by The Bridge Trust, a wealthy institution employing tradesmen, cooks, tidesmen and gardeners and acquiring more than 800 properties in Peckham, Lewisham, Sydenham and in the City itself.