Tower Bridge

Overview

Dominating the River Thames, Tower Bridge stands as an enduring symbol of London, United Kingdom. More than just a crossing, it is a combined bascule and suspension bridge, renowned for its intricate Victorian Gothic architecture and remarkable engineering. Situated adjacent to the historic Tower of London, it connects the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark, serving as a vital artery for both road traffic and the passage of ships beneath its iconic lifting bascules.

Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge was a marvel of its age, designed to address the pressing need for a new river crossing in a rapidly expanding industrial city, without obstructing the crucial river traffic to the Pool of London. Its distinctive twin towers, high-level walkways, and operable roadway have made it one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, captivating millions of visitors annually with its blend of historical significance and mechanical grandeur.

History & Cultural Background

The story of Tower Bridge began in the latter half of the 19th century when East London experienced immense growth, leading to severe congestion on London Bridge, then the only crossing in the area. In 1876, a special committee was formed to find a solution, launching a public design competition. Over 50 designs were submitted, but ultimately, the vision of City Architect Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry was selected, receiving parliamentary approval in 1885.

Construction commenced in April 1886 and spanned eight demanding years, employing 432 construction workers and five major contractors. The bridge was a monumental undertaking, requiring over 11,000 tons of steel for its framework, clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone to give it a neo-Gothic aesthetic that would complement the nearby Tower of London. Sadly, Sir Horace Jones died in 1887, with John Wolfe Barry taking over as architect to see the project through to completion. The Prince and Princess of Wales, the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, officially opened Tower Bridge on June 30, 1894, marking a pivotal moment in London's infrastructure.

What Makes It Special

Tower Bridge is exceptional due to its innovative combination of structural types: it features two suspension bridge sections connecting to the river banks, with a central bascule bridge that can be raised. The two imposing towers house the machinery for the bascules and support the high-level walkways.

Beneath its decorative Victorian Gothic exterior, the bridge conceals a robust steel framework, a testament to late 19th-century industrial engineering. The central bascules, each weighing over 1,000 tons, were originally operated by a sophisticated hydraulic system powered by steam engines. Though the system was converted to an electro-hydraulic mechanism in 1972, the original Victorian Engine Rooms, showcasing the monumental steam pumps, remain an integral part of the visitor experience.

The high-level walkways, suspended 42 meters (138 feet) above the River Thames, offer unparalleled panoramic views of London, from the Tower of London to St Paul's Cathedral and beyond. These walkways, once closed due to underuse and a questionable reputation, were reopened in 1982 as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, now featuring thrilling glass floors.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• A Daring Leap: In 1952, a bus driver named Albert Gunter, finding his double-decker bus on a rising bascule due to a watchman's error, famously accelerated and jumped the bus to the other side, saving his passengers from a plunge.
• Changing Colours: Tower Bridge was not always red, white, and blue. Its original colour was a chocolate brown, rumored to be Queen Victoria's favorite. The patriotic colour scheme was applied in 1977 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
• The Walkways' Past: The high-level pedestrian walkways, though now a popular attraction, were closed in 1910 due to being largely unused and gaining a reputation as a haunt for prostitutes and pickpockets.
• Busy Bascules: While today the bascules lift about 800 times a year, in its debut year in 1894, the bridge opened an astounding 6,194 times to accommodate river traffic.
• Architectural Camouflage: The neo-Gothic style was chosen specifically to ensure the bridge harmonized aesthetically with the nearby Tower of London, making it look much older than its Victorian construction suggests.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting Tower Bridge offers a unique journey through London's history and engineering prowess. Travelers can explore the inner workings of the bridge, beginning in the North Tower, ascending to the high-level walkways with their transparent glass floors. From these aerial vantage points, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the city's skyline, with iconic landmarks stretching in every direction.

The journey continues to the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms, located in the South Tower, which house the original steam engines that once powered the bascules. Interactive displays and exhibitions provide fascinating insights into the lives of the engineers, stokers, and workers who maintained the bridge. Access to the exhibition, including the towers, walkways, and engine rooms, is ticketed, but pedestrians can walk across the bridge deck for free. For those hoping to witness the bridge in action, lift times for river traffic are published online, allowing visitors to time their visit for the memorable spectacle of the bascules rising.