Tower Bridge

Gazing up at Tower Bridge, have you ever wondered about its secrets? Tower Bridge isn’t as ancient as it looks. It was built between 1886 and 1894, designed to resemble a medieval castle to complement the nearby Tower of London. Tower Bridge stands as a symbol of London, its iconic silhouette recognized worldwide. Originally, over 50 designs were submitted to a competition, but none were initially chosen. Finally, a design by architect Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry was approved in 1884. Sadly, Sir Horace Jones died in 1887, never witnessing the completion of his masterpiece. Over 1,000 workers toiled for eight years, twice the estimated time, to construct Tower Bridge at a cost of £1 million. The bridge’s construction involved a variety of skilled tradesmen, from divers who cleared the riverbed to riveters who secured the steel frame. Tower Bridge was officially opened in 1894 by the Prince and Princess of Wales, with the prince raising the bascules for steamboats to pass. These movable sections, called bascules, are a French term for “seesaw”. Originally brown, Tower Bridge was painted red, white, and blue in 1977 for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee. A bus driver once famously leaped a double-decker bus across the bridge as the bascules began to rise. In 1952, Albert Gunter accelerated his bus over the widening gap, earning a day off and £10. Tower Bridge continues to be raised regularly for river traffic, prioritizing vessels over road traffic by law and free of charge, per an 1885 act. A modern marvel, Tower Bridge also embraces the 21st century. In 2014, glass floors were installed in the high-level walkways, allowing visitors to peer down at the river below. Special events, like sunrise yoga sessions, even take place on these walkways high above the Thames. Tower Bridge’s legacy extends beyond transport and tourism. It has appeared in films, hosted events, and even supported a 13-meter-high Lego replica of itself.