Definition of London Bridge is falling down - wordIQ Dictionary & Encyclopedia

Definition of London Bridge is falling down - wordIQ Dictionary & Encyclopedia: "What does the rhyme mean?

The meaning of the rhyme is obscure. Most obviously, it relates to the many difficulties experienced in bridging the Thames; London's earlier bridges did indeed 'wash away' before a bridge built of 'stone so strong' was constructed. It has been suggested that the 'fair lady' who is 'locked up' is a reference to an old practice of burying a dead virgin in the foundations of the bridge to ensure its strength through magical means. Intriguingly, the rhyme is not confined to England and variants exist in many other western and central European countries."