Truth behind man who 'bought wrong London bridge'

The tale of Robert McCulloch and the London Bridge has been a popular story for many years. People often think that McCulloch, an American businessman, mistakenly bought London Bridge instead of the more famous Tower Bridge. This urban legend has been passed down through generations, but recently, Michael McCulloch, Robert's grandson, spoke to BBC London to clarify the truth. He stated, 'My grandfather knew exactly what he was buying. ' In 1968, Robert McCulloch purchased the original London Bridge, which was built in the Victorian era, and he had it transported to Lake Havasu City in Arizona, where he reconstructed it. Michael explained that the myth surrounding his grandfather's purchase was never corrected because it brought a lot of attention and visitors to Lake Havasu. The original London Bridge was becoming less stable over time, sinking deeper into the River Thames as modern vehicles began to use it. In September 1968, construction began on the new London Bridge in Arizona, which involved shipping over 10,000 numbered granite blocks to the United States. The bridge was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973. Michael recently visited the new London Bridge and expressed his pride in his grandfather's legacy, saying, 'The story and the bridge have played a huge role in my life and the life of my family. ' He feels a strong connection to London and considers it his favorite city. The story of the mistaken bridge purchase continues to resurface, and Michael humorously suggested that it might be because some British people feel they were tricked into selling a beloved landmark. The Mayor of Lake Havasu City, Cal Sheehy, also visited London to receive his own Freedom of the City of London. He emphasized the importance of the bridge in the development of Lake Havasu City, noting that it is now Arizona's second-largest tourist attraction. Giles Shilson, the chairman of the City Bridge Foundation, expressed his excitement about showing Michael the new bridge and helping to set the record straight about the story of his grandfather. This visit not only honored Robert McCulloch's memory but also strengthened the ties between London and Lake Havasu City.