256 (>LI) LONDON BIUDOF, PART IV. 



called starlings, for the purpose of breaking the rush of 

 t lie water and protecting 1 the foundation piles. 



Another statement was long current that London 

 Bridge was built on wool-packs, arising probably from 

 the circumstance that a tax was levied by the King upon 

 wool, skins, and leather, towards defraying the cost of 

 its construction. The bridge was in a measure regarded 

 as a national work, and for more than two centuries after 

 its erection, tribute continued to be levied upon the in- 

 habitants of the counties nearest the metropolis for its 

 maintenance and repair. Liberal gifts and donations 

 were also made with the same object, until at length the 

 Bridge Estates yielded a large annual income. 



LONDON BRI 



Not less than thirty-three years were occupied in the 

 erection of this important structure. It was begun in 

 the reign of Henry II., carried on during that of 

 Richard I., and finished in the eleventh year of King 

 John, 1209. Before then, however, the aged priest, its 

 architect, died, and he was buried in the crypt of the 

 chapel which had by that time been erected over the 

 centre pier. At his death another priest, a Frenchman, 

 called Isenbert, who had displayed much skill in con- 

 structing the bridges at Saintes and Rochelle, was recom- 

 mended by the King as his successor. But his appointment 



