Ignored by thousands and used as an ashtray… but do YOU know the incredible story of London’s bollards?

Stood next to a rubbish bin and used as an ashtray by oblivious Londoners, the bollard next to Southwark Bridge is overlooked by most who pass it. 

But unknown to thousands of locals and tourists who walk by everyday, the battered post holds a remarkable past. 

The bollard is actually an old French cannon dating back to the late 18th Century,  likely taken from ships that fought in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. 

After its victory over France during the Napoleonic Wars, Britain started to strip the French boats and reuse anything of value. 

When the cannons were found to be too big to be retrofitted onto British ships, they were transported back to London and showcased in the form of street bollards – a reminder of Britain’s victory. 

Another original cannon stands in Borough Market and is considered a tourist attraction by the few who know about it. 

While degradation over the years meant most originals in London were replaced by modern alternatives, the few that remain have been largely forgotten. 

Historian and author Alice Loxton said the bollards are an example of the ‘hidden history’ that people miss everyday. 

She told MailOnline: ‘As British people there’s amazing history to be seen everywhere but we take it for granted […] or perhaps don’t quite realise the extraordinary history that’s there.  

‘The cannon bollard being used as an ashtray is a classic example of that. When people find out about this story, they are amazed.’ 

The cannon bollard next to SouthWark Bridge in London, which is grade II listed 

The cannon is being used as an ashtray to dispose of cigarette butts by oblivious locals and tourists 

The bollard is actually an old French cannon dating back to the late 18th Century, likely taken from ships that fought in the Battle of Trafalgar (pictured) in 1805 

The bollard looks over the Thames in London and is now stood next to a rubbish bin 

Ms Loxton, who posts videos sharing hidden history across the country on social media, added: ‘What is so extraordinary and thrilling about this story is, it’s a snapshot into the incredible history that can be found everywhere – the hidden history that is everywhere that people walk past everyday. 

‘If there was a plaque beside it I’m sure people would be amazed and delighted by what they were seeing.’ 

The cannon bollards became so popular that replicas were made and the design still exists across the capital today, finished off with the rounded shape at the top. 

Both the Southwalk and Borough Market bollards are grade II listed, with Southwark Council telling MailOnline there are ‘no plans to remove’ its cannon.   

James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets and Waste, said: ‘Southwark Council is always on the ball when it comes to keeping our borough’s heritage shipshape. 

‘The bollard near Southwark Bridge has an explosive backstory as a cannon and it’s already secured as a grade II listed structure. This ensures it will stay firmly in place, and standing guard over our history for many years to come!’

But while the two posts are protected, they are neglected by most passersby, with a bin dumped next to the Southwark bollard and cigarette butts shoved in its fuse hole.

The mast overlooks the Thames and is surrounded by bustling restaurants and shops, including pizza chain Zizzi. 

Much like the cannon bollards, London’s historic stretcher fences also go unnoticed with their humble and dull appearance. 

But unknown to many locals – even those living right next to them – the railings form a vital part of London’s World War Two story, responsible for saving hundreds of lives.

The post is overlooked by most locals, with damage and degradation over the years giving it a worn out appearance 

Nelson’s Flagship Victoria at the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805

After their defeat of France during the Napoleonic Wars, Britain started to strip the French boats and reuse anything of value, including their cannons 

After the Battle of Trafalgar, the cannons were shipped back to London and showcased in the form of street bollards

The cannon look was so popular that replicas were made and the design still exists across London today, finished off with the rounded shape at the top. Pictured: A replica in Southwark

‘Stretcher fences’ on Watts Grove Estate, just off Devons Road, in Tower Hamlets, east London

Soldiers carrying an injured civilian on a stretcher amid an air raid during World War Two 

Used to carry wounded civilians during the Blitz, the fences were originally produced for the war effort and made out of metal, comprising of two bent poles lining a stretch of wire mesh.

After the war they became scrap metal, and were upcycled into fences guarding ordinary buildings and high-rise flats.

Less than 100 years later, the railings’ heroic history has been widely forgotten, with many residents and tourists deeming the fences ‘modern’ and ‘ordinary’ in appearance.

Damage and degradation over the years have meant some local authorities replaced the historic railings with modern alternatives, with the number left in London gradually declining.

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk