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In the 19^th century, London began to experience immense growth in its east end. While there were bridges servicing the west end of London, the east end of London became so densely populated, that pressure began mounting for the need for a bridge on that side to alleviate the hours of delay pedestrians and vehicles were enduring during their daily journeys. In 1876, the City of London Corporation, who were responsible for that part of the River Thames, decided that a bridge needed to be built, and the planning began.

During the planning stage, over 50 designs were presented for consideration. However, it was City Architect, Horace Jones, and John Wolfe Barry, who offered the design that was chosen. When the bridge was first built, it was hydraulically operated, using steam to power the enormous pumping engines. Today, the bascules are still operated by hydraulic power, but since 1976, have been driven by oil and electricity rather than steam, allowing tall ships, cruise ships, naval vessels and other large craft to pass through.

The bridge was built with walkways that offer stunning views of many of London’s famous sights, including St Paul’s Cathedral. The bridges is currently undergoing renovations, which will essentially take 3 years to complete. Renovations on the bridge occur once every quarter century and this is the first one of this millennium. During the renovation, the Tower Bridge Exhibition and walkways will for the most part be unaffected

So, the next time you’re in London, visit the London Tower Bridge, and simply have Fun…..

The London Tower Bridge

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Theworldfromhere.com

One of the world’s most famous and fascinating bridges is an iconic symbol in London England; The London Tower Bridge. Completed in 1894, this sophisticated bascule bridge (“bascule” comes from the French for “see-saw”), is hailed as a great engineering marvel of its age. This amazing bridge took eight years to build and is located in the east end of London, over the River Thames, near the Tower of London, from which it got its name; and by the way, houses the Crown Jewels.....