Tower Bridge

In the second half of the 19th century, increased commercial development in the East of London led to the requirement for a new river crossing downstream of London Bridge. A traditional fixed bridge could not be built because it would cut off access to the port facilities between London Bridge and the Tower of London.

At 9:35 pm on 30 December 1952, a crowded double-decker London bus, on route 78 to Dulwich, was on the bridge as it began to open. The driver had to choose between braking hard or accelerating and jumping the bridge. He decided to accelerate and jumped over the gap successfully as the bridge started to open

Jones’ engineer, Sir John Wolfe Barry, devised the idea of a bascule bridge 800-feet (244-metres) in length with two towers each 213-feet (65-metres) high, built on piers. The central span of 200-feet (61-metres) between the towers was split into two equal bascules or leaves, which could be raised to an angle of 83 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The bascules, weighing over 1,000-tons each, were counterbalanced to minimize the force required and allow raising in just five minutes. The bridge mechanism was powered by steam engines, later replaced by an electro-hydraulic system, in 1976.

The bridge was completed in 1894 and this flamboyant piece of Victorian engineering quickly became a global icon of London. High above the bridge is a pedestrian walkway, 143-feet (44-metres) above the river, which allowed pedestrians to climb 300 steps and cross the river when the bridge was open. This walkway was closed in 1910 as it became a haunt for prostitutes and pick-pockets.

In May 1997, the motorcade of United States President Bill Clinton was divided by the opening of the bridge. The Thames sailing barge Gladys, arrived on schedule and the bridge was opened for her. Returning from lunch with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, President Clinton was less punctual, and arrived just as the bridge was rising. The bridge opening split the motorcade in two, much to the consternation of security staff. A spokesman for Tower Bridge is quoted as saying, “We tried to contact the American Embassy, but they wouldn't answer the phone”

Today the bridge houses the Tower Bridge Exhibition, showcasing the history of the Bridge. You can enjoy breath-taking views from the high-level Walkways, and learn about how and why the Bridge was built. You can also visit the Victorian Engine Rooms, home to the beautifully maintained original steam engines that used to power the Bridge. Hands-on mechanisms and information panels explain about the ingenuous technology used over the years to keep Tower Bridge in motion.