For many tourists, Tower Bridge is at the top of the list of places to see in London. Every tourist who comes to London can experience this wonderful bridge, which has a spectacular history. The Bridge shares the same tourist mindset as the Clock Tower, i.e. Big Ben. The History of the Bridge is as fascinating as it sounds.
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About Tower Bridge
The city of London is built on both sides of the river Thames. By the 19th century, the city grew and the eastern part grew rapidly and became densely populated. The journeys between the busy port areas became tedious and took hours to cross at peak hours of morning and evening. In 1876 the City of London Corporation responsible for the east part of London decided to make the Bridge. Over 50 designs were submitted for consideration of the Tower Bridge in the Special Bridge Committee. The final and chosen design of the Bridge was won by Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry.
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It took eight years to create the masterpiece we see today. An army of about 430 labourers and five contractors made it possible to finish the project. Workers completed it in 1894, and King Edward VII officially opened it. At the time, it was the most sophisticated bascule bridge. Hydraulics powered the bascules, using steam to drive the enormous pumping engines. Since 1976, oil and electricity have powered the bascules instead of steam, as this method proved more economical and less dangerous. It takes about 1 minute to raise the bascules to their maximum angle of 86 degrees.
What’s so special about Tower Bridge?
1. Iconic Design – It’s one of the most recognizable bridges in the world, featuring a combination of bascule (drawbridge) and suspension bridge elements. The two massive towers, built in a Gothic Revival style, give it a unique and striking appearance.
2. Historical Significance – Completed in 1894, the Bridge was designed to solve the problem of allowing ships to pass while still connecting both sides of the River Thames. It remains a symbol of Victorian engineering ingenuity.
3. Bascule Mechanism – The bridge can lift in the centre to allow ships to pass through. It originally used steam-powered hydraulics but now operates with an electro-hydraulic system. It still opens around 800 times a year.
4. Glass Walkway & Exhibition – Visitors can walk across the high-level glass-floored walkway, offering stunning views of London. The bridge also has an exhibition inside that details its history and engineering.
5. Cultural and Touristic Appeal – Tower Bridge is often mistaken for London Bridge, but it is far more visually striking and attracts millions of tourists every year. It has also appeared in many movies, including *Harry Potter*, *Sherlock Holmes*, and *Spider-Man: Far From Home*.
6. Royal Connection – The bridge is close to the Tower of London, a historic castle that housed royalty and prisoners. This proximity enhances its historical charm.
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How to reach Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Exhibition was reopened in 2002 and celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 2007. Tower Bridge is a great tourist destination and one of the most visited tourist spots. Tourists who want to see the Bridge can enjoy the exhibition and can take the nearest tube station which is London Bridge Station operate on the Northern and Jubilee Line. Tourists who are coming from the eastern side of London can hop off at Tower Hill station and walk through the Bridge. London Tour buses are available opposite the Tower of London. Your London tour will be incomplete if you don’t visit this great bridge. Check out the google maps below or see the London tourists map here to plan your travel to the London Bridge.
Tower Bridge Lift Times
If you want to see when the bridge lifts and lets the ships or big cruises pass by, don’t miss out on when the bridge lifts. The Bridge lifts around 800 times a year. Find out when the next Bridge Lift will be, and which vessel the Bridge will be lifted by going to the Tower Bridge lift times. Tower Bridge generally lifts 2-3 times a day depending on the traffic and tourists vessels.
Want to see the Bridge from Inside?
Enter the Tower of London before anyone else, and see the official opening ceremony on a 3-hour guided tour. Admire the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive. Then, enjoy skip-the-line access to the Tower Bridge Experience and engine rooms.