In 1176, Peter of Colechurch began constructing London Bridge, now referred to as Old London Bridge, over the River Thames. Completed in 1209 shortly after Peter's death, the stone bridge served as a commercial crossing that housed both businesses and residences. The bridge consisted of a wooden drawbridge centered between 19 ogive arches spanning 15 to 34 feet. It wasn't until Old London Bridge was replaced in the 1820s that a span of over 100 feet helped bridge the Thames.