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There was also a Stone
Gate House on the bridge and on its roof stood poles where
traitors' heads were placed. This practice started in
1304 and continued until 1678. In the 17th century, Oliver
Cromwell's head was placed on one of the poles.
In 1390, a Joust took place on the bridge between Lord
Welles, English ambassador to Scotland, and Sir David
De Lindsay, a Scots knight, who had quarrelled over the
valour of their respective countrymen.The Scots knight
was the victor and was later made ambassador to England.
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Sir John Hewitt, one Lord Mayor Of
London certainly lived in one of the fine houses on the
bridge and it is told that when his little daughter fell
out of the window into the river, Sir John's apprentice,
Edward Osborne dived into the Thames to rescue her.
The daughter grew up and although courted by many suitors,
Sir John said "No, Osborne saved her and Osborne
shall marry her". Osborne did marry her and he in
his turn became Lord Mayor of London as well. |
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| On 5th July 1450 the bridge was held against
Jack Cade and his rebels.This was to be the most terrible night
of its history. Houses were burnt and hundreds were slaughtered
by the sword or perished in the flames but the rebellion was
eventually put down and Cade's Head was stuck on a pole over
the drawbridge. |
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