The Tower Bridge, the famous suspension bridge, which crosses the river Thames, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic symbols of London, together with Big Ben, the London Eye and the Buckingham Palace.
History of Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge in London is one of the most recognized icons in the world. Built in style neo-gothic in the Victorian era, it was opened to the public in 1894 and represents an important part of the history of the city. Its unique architecture makes it a place of great interest for visitors who can climb up for a panoramic view.
The need to build a new bridge was due to the increasing congestion of river traffic on the Thames. Construction began in 1886, with the foundation stone laid by the Prince of Wales on 21 June, and lasted for eight years.
The unique design of Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge’s design was created by Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry, who collaborated to create a bridge that could be raised to allow larger vessels to pass. The bridge was built of granite-clad steel and has two 65-metre-high towers. The towers are connected by two glass walkways which technically allow people to cross the bridge even when it is raised, but you have to pay a ticket to try it.
The bridge was designed to be lifted by a system of counterweights and motors, which allows the arms of the bridge to open in about a minute and a half. The bridge opening system is still in use today and is activated when a vessel wants to pass under the bridge.
In December 1952, the bridge opened as a number 78 double-decker bus was crossing it from the south bank. The an operator rang a warning bell and closed the gates when the bridge was clear, before the watchman ordered the bridge to be raised. The bus was near the edge of the south bascule when it started to climb; pilot Albert Gunter decided in a fraction of a second to accelerate, clearing a gap of 1 m and descending 2 m on the north bascule, which had not yet started to climb. There were no serious injuries and Gunter received £10 from the City Corporation to honor his act of bravery. It would be £400 today, not a large reward.
Visit Tower Bridge
Every year, afew millions tourists visit Tower Bridge to enjoy the panoramic view of London, watch the bridge rise to let ships pass, and visit the exhibition inside the bridge itself. The exhibition, called “Tower Bridge Exhibition”, presents the history of the bridge through photographs, scale models and films. It is one of the most visited attractions in the UK
Also, you can climb the south tower of the bridge and admire the panoramic view of London. The south tower also houses the original steam engine that powered the bridge’s lift system.
Tower Bridge represents one of the most iconic attractions of London, combining the history of the city with its architectural beauty, albeit derivative. With its unique lifting capacity to allow ships to pass, Tower Bridge is a real London treasure. Visiting Tower Bridge is an experience that should not be missed and we recommend anyone to visit this London icon during their visit to the city. If you go to the site you can see when the bridge is opened, it’s not a rare occasion, on the contrary it happens several times every week.
You can get tickets here
