The Tower Bridge is one of London's most famous sights and one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. It connects the boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets across the Thames.
Building for what was once the largest city in the world
London's population grew dramatically in the 19th century. The metropolis was even the largest city in the world at the time. As a result, traffic became so heavy that a large bridge was urgently needed to cross the Thames.
After years of deliberations and designs, the plans of engineer Joseph William Bazalgette were finally accepted in 1884 and realised with hundreds of construction workers. On 30 June 1894, the later King Edward VII opened the impressive neo-Gothic building. As more and more thieves and prostitutes gradually found themselves on the Tower Bridge , it was forbidden for pedestrians from 1910. It has only been possible to cross it on foot again since 1982.
Tower Bridge used to be moved by water pressure
Tower Bridge is 244 metres long and around 65 metres high. The towers are made of limestone. In honour of Queen Elizabeth's 25th anniversary on the throne, all metal parts have been painted in the national colours of red, blue and white since 1977.
When large ships pass through, the bridge is folded up by its two movable supporting structure parts. Opening and closing used to be done using a hydraulic system. Two piston steam engines pumped water into pressurised reservoirs. The resulting force enabled the bridge to be folded up. In 1974, the drive was switched to oil hydraulics with electric pumps.
Eleven metre long glass floor
Today, countless tourists visit the famous landmark every day. On the two walkways between the towers, which are used by pedestrians, there is an exhibition on the history of the building. From there, you have a wonderful view of the British capital, London.
Since 2014, there has also been an eleven metre long glass floor on the pedestrian crossing. From here, you can look down over 40 metres and observe cars and boats. On the south side of the bridge is the entrance to the engine rooms, which can also be visited. But the most exciting part is of course watching the bridge fold up and down. This happens around 800 to 1,000 times a year.
