History of London Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, one of London’s most iconic landmarks, is a bascule and suspension bridge that spans the River Thames near the Tower of London. It was completed in the late 19th century to alleviate congestion while still allowing ships to pass, and has since become a symbol of London’s industrial might and architectural ingenuity.

Need for a New Bridge (19th Century Context)
Growth of London:
By the mid-19th century, London had become the largest city in the world and a bustling center of industry and commerce. With rapid growth in population and trade, the east side of the city, particularly in the Port of London area, experienced heavy traffic.
The only crossings near the eastern part of London were London Bridge and a few small ferries. London Bridge was often overcrowded, and additional crossings were needed, but they faced a significant challenge: the River Thames was one of the busiest waterways in the world, and any bridge in this part of the river had to allow large ships to pass through to the docks upstream.

Balancing Road and River Traffic:
A new bridge was needed to connect the East End with the rest of London without disrupting the flow of ships that traveled to the upper docks. However, a traditional fixed bridge wasn’t feasible as it would block access to larger vessels. This led to the idea of designing a bridge that could open to allow ships to pass.

Design Competition and Construction (1880s)
Design Competition:
The question of how to build a bridge that would meet these needs led to a design competition. Over 50 proposals were submitted. The winning design was by Sir Horace Jones, who was the City Architect of London, in collaboration with engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry.
Their design combined both a bascule bridge (a type of drawbridge that opens with counterweights) and suspension bridge elements. The bridge would have two massive towers linked by high-level walkways for pedestrians, with the bascules able to open and close to let ships pass.

Approval and Construction:
Construction of Tower Bridge began in 1886 and took eight years to complete. Over 432 workers were involved in its construction.
The towers of the bridge were built using over 11,000 tons of steel, and then clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone to give the bridge a more Gothic appearance, in keeping with the nearby Tower of London.
The bascules, or drawbridges, were powered by steam-driven hydraulic engines. The design allowed the bridge to be opened in under a minute, facilitating quick passage for ships.

Completion and Opening (1894)
Opening Ceremony:
Tower Bridge was officially opened on June 30, 1894, by Prince Edward (later King Edward VII) and his wife, Princess Alexandra. The opening ceremony was a grand affair, marking a major achievement in British engineering.
The bridge quickly became a key crossing in London, helping to alleviate traffic congestion in the East End while preserving the river’s vital role as a shipping route.

Engineering Marvel:
Tower Bridge was considered a marvel of its time. The original hydraulic system, which operated the bascules, was powered by steam. In 1976, this system was replaced by an electro-hydraulic system that is still in use today.
Each bascule weighs over 1,000 tons, and the counterweights allow them to be lifted with minimal effort. The bridge is able to open and close multiple times per day to allow river traffic to pass.

Twentieth Century Developments and Preservation
Function and Maintenance:
Throughout the 20th century, Tower Bridge remained a vital part of London’s infrastructure, both as a major road crossing and as a symbol of the city. Over time, however, traffic increased, and new bypass roads and river crossings reduced the bridge’s role in handling East End traffic.
The upper walkways were originally designed to allow pedestrians to cross even when the bridge was raised, but they were closed in 1910 due to lack of use. The walkways became infamous as a haunt for petty crime and vagrants until they were reopened as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition in 1982.

World War II and Damage:
Tower Bridge survived the Blitz during World War II without significant damage, despite the heavy bombing of London. Its location near vital ports and the Tower of London made it a critical piece of infrastructure during the war.

Modernization:
In 1976, the bridge’s original steam-powered hydraulic system was replaced with a more modern electric system. However, the old hydraulic equipment has been preserved, and parts of the original machinery can still be viewed as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which highlights the history and operation of the bridge.

Cultural Significance and Legacy
Iconic Status:
Tower Bridge is often mistakenly called “London Bridge” by tourists, though London Bridge is another bridge upstream. Tower Bridge, with its neo-Gothic design, has become an iconic image of London, symbolizing both the city’s rich history and its engineering accomplishments.
The bridge is frequently used in movies, television, and photography, and remains one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. It has appeared in countless films, including “Sherlock Holmes,” “Harry Potter,” and “Mission: Impossible.”

Tourism and Exhibition:
Today, Tower Bridge is a major tourist attraction, with visitors able to walk along the high-level walkways and view the river through glass floors. These walkways offer spectacular views of London, while the Engine Rooms showcase the original Victorian machinery used to power the bridge.
In 2014, the bridge added glass floors to the upper walkways, enhancing the visitor experience by allowing people to see the traffic and river below as they walk across.

Tower Bridge in the 21st Century
Renovations:
Tower Bridge underwent a major renovation project between 2008 and 2012. During this time, the bridge’s paintwork was restored to its iconic blue and white colors, originally applied for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. The bridge was also upgraded to handle modern traffic demands, while maintaining its historical features.

Modern Uses:
Tower Bridge is still a working bridge, raising its bascules for river traffic on average about 800 times a year. Ships passing beneath must give 24 hours’ notice to ensure the bridge can be raised. It continues to serve both practical and aesthetic purposes in the modern city.

Symbol of London:
More than just a functional bridge, Tower Bridge has become a cultural symbol of London’s industrial age, combining Victorian ingenuity with architectural beauty. Its blend of history, engineering, and design makes it one of the most important historical structures in the city.

Advertisement:

SaleBestseller No. 1

CubicFun 3D Puzzle UK Tower Bridge Architecture Model Kit with Booklet for Adults and Children, 120 Pieces

• Number_of_players; 1 o 2
• English (Publication Language)

$22.99

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 2

Geniteen Building Blocks Set, London Tower Bridge Model Micro Mini Blocks, 3800 PCS Architecture Model Kits

• World- famous Architecture: Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, it is a recognisable London landmark. This model micro building...
• Educational value: This micro mini block set is made up of 3800 pieces micro bricks, which have a high degree of difficulty and training kid’ s coordination...
• Vivid Model Design: The building block kit basically restores the architectural details. London Tower Bridge is divided into upper and lower levels. The upper...

$48.99

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 3

Apostrophe Games Tower Bridge Building Block Set – 1,052 Pieces London Tower Bridge Model Building Blocks for Adults and Kids - Architecture Kit Famous Landmark Series

• Take a trip across one of the most iconic landmarks in Europe and build your own Tower Bridge Building Block Set
• Superior Quality Materials: These block building toys are made with high-quality ABS material and attention to detail using advanced technology. The pieces fit...
• Fun Activity for the Entire Family: Our Tower Bridge building toy set is a great way to spend fun moments with your friends and family passionate about travel...

$59.79

Buy on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 4

Rowood 3D Puzzles for Adults,DIY Wooden Model Kits for Adults to Build,Birthday London Tower Bridge

• [ Inspired by the Iconic London Bridge ] - Our 3D wooden puzzle is designed to replicate the famous London Bridge, allowing you to bring a piece of history and...
• [ Exquisite Craftsmanship & Attention to Detail ] - Made from high-quality, eco-friendly wood materials, our 3D wooden puzzles for adults boast unmatched...
• [ The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion ] - Looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for a loved one? This 3D puzzle is an excellent choice for birthdays, holidays....

$16.99

Buy on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 5

DeerBird® Retro City Bronze London Eye Big Ben Tower Bridge UK Model Decor Metal Statue Figurine Living Room Vintage Home Decor for Gifts Party Desktop Decoration

• High Quality: Made of high quality metal alloy material, safe and durable.
• Size: About. H*W*L: 3.93 inch * 3.93 inch *5.31 inch, Weight: 10.58 oz. Material: Alloy Metal.
• Handmade Craft: Realistic London style home crafts perfectly show us the romantic London famous architecture.

$24.49

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller No. 6

Fascinations Metal Earth London Tower Bridge 3D Metal Model Kit

• HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up
• NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs
• LONDON TOWER BRIDGE – 2 Sheet Model with a moderate difficulty level. Assembled Size: 5.51"L x 0.79"W x 2.24"H (14 x 2 x 5.7 cm)

$10.95

Buy on Amazon