Tower Bridge
Sightseeing attraction | London | England | United Kingdom
The Tower Bridge in London is one of the city's most famous landmarks and an impressive example of Victorian engineering. It was built between 1886 and 1894 and was officially opened on June 30, 1894 by Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales at the time.
The bridge was designed by Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect of London at the time, and constructed by Sir John Wolfe Barry, a renowned engineer. The Tower Bridge combines elements of a bascule bridge.
Architecturally, the Tower Bridge is designed in a neo-gothic style, which was intentionally chosen to harmoniously fit into the historical surroundings of the nearby Tower of London. The two imposing towers of the bridge are connected by two high-level pedestrian walkways, which originally allowed pedestrians to cross when the bridge was open for shipping. However, these walkways were closed in 1910 due to lack of use and were only reopened to the public in 1982 after renovations.
The bridge's mechanism was originally steam-powered and was converted to an electro-hydraulic system in 1976. The bascule mechanisms of the bridge can be fully opened in about five minutes to allow larger ships to pass through the Thames.
Today, the Tower Bridge houses a museum that offers insights into its history, construction, and function. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the engine rooms and walk on the glass floors of the upper walkways, providing a unique view of the Thames below and the traffic on the streets.
The Tower Bridge is not only a functional structure, but also a symbol of London's rich history and architectural heritage. It attracts millions of visitors annually and remains an essential part of the city's skyline.
