Landmark on the Thames

The Tower Bridge in London turned 120 on June 30 this year! Know more about this magnificent structure that stands majestically over the Thames.

July 24, 2014 05:29 pm | Updated 05:29 pm IST

The construction of the bridge took eight years, and on June 30, 1894, the bridge was opened to the public.

The construction of the bridge took eight years, and on June 30, 1894, the bridge was opened to the public.

When one thinks of London, the first thing that comes to mind, without doubt, is the Big Ben. After Big Ben and more recently, the London Eye, the Tower Bridge is the most iconic and recognisable landmark of the city.

Peep into the past

The Tower Bridge was planned and built after the growing public demand to have a bridge in the East End of London. Till then, London Bridge was the only one that crossed the Thames. The area east of the city of London, by then, had become a busy port and building a traditional fixed bridge would mean that trade and cargo ships with tall masts would be cut-off from the port facilities.

The city architect, Horace Jones’ design was approved and Sir John Wolfe-Barry gave the idea of making it a drawbridge or a bascule (“bascule” comes from the French for “see-saw”) bridge, a moveable bridge that swings upward, allowing boats and ships to pass.

The construction of the bridge took eight years, and on June 30, 1894, the bridge was opened to the public.

How it works

The 244-metre bridge operated on hydraulics, with steam to power the water-pumping engines that would engage the bascules and raise it. Though it is still powered by hydraulics system, in 1976, electricity replaced the use of steam power.

Find out

What does “bascules” mean?

When one talks of a “Gothic” appearance, what does it imply?

If you happen to be in this part of the world, don’t forget to visit the Tower Bridge and share your adventures with us!

Magnificent

The Tower Bridge was initially criticised for its apparent “Gothic” appearance, with several critics calling it one of the worst buildings or structures in the city. But with time, this magnificent structure has fitted in perfectly with the city’s architecture and remains one of its most significant landmarks.

Did you know?

You must be familiar with the nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down”. It is popularly believed that the rhyme is based on the Tower Bridge, but it isn’t.

Tower Bridge is 244 metres long and each tower is 65 metres high.

In 1952, a London bus had to leap from one bascule to the other when the bridge began to rise with the bus still on it.

In 1977, the colour scheme of the bridge was changed to red, blue and white to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 25th anniversary of accession to the throne.

The Tower Bridge is active on Twitter! The account, managed by the city corporation, gives information about the timing of bridge lifts for the day, holds contests and posts pictures of the bridge taken from various angles.

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