Work on the new London Bridge, to replace the existing bridge that was over 600 years old, began in 1825. The new bridge was designed by John Rennie, completed in 1831 and formally opened by King William IV on 1 August 1831. This painting depicts the opening ceremony which The Times newspaper described as 'the most splendid spectacle that has been witnessed on the Thames for many years'. The view is taken from the south bank, upstream of the bridge, looking north towards the Monument and the church of St Magnus, both of which can be seen rising up beyond the bridge. The royal party had embarked at Somerset House, further upstream, and gone to the bridge in a procession between a double line of boats and barges, the royal bargemen wearing new liveries especially designed for the occasion. The King arrived at the bridge about 4pm and the red carpeted stairs where he landed can be seen leading up to the bridge on the far side of the river. A huge pavilion where a sumptuous banquet was held had been erected on the bridge. The royal standard can be seen flying from the pavilion at the north end.

This bridge had to be replaced over 100 years later and it was sold to the American entrepreneur Robert P McCulloch in 1968. He had it dismantled, transported to the USA and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The current London Bridge was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973.

King William had seen Stanfield's large picture of St Michael's Mount at the Royal Academy in 1830 and as a result had commissioned the artist to paint a view of Portsmouth harbor (RCIN 404789) and this painting.

The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1832.