London Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Here are some key points:

1. Construction: The bridge was built between 1886 and 1894. The need for a new bridge to ease road traffic congestion in London was evident, but it had to be a bascule bridge (drawbridge) to allow ships to pass.

2. Design: The design of Tower Bridge was decided through a public competition. Architect Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry won the competition with their design that combined a bascule and suspension bridge.

3. Architecture: Tower Bridge is renowned for its Gothic Revival style, with two towers constructed on piers. These towers are connected at the upper level by two horizontal walkways designed to withstand the forces of the suspended sections of the bridge.

4. Mechanics: Originally, the bridge's bascules were operated by a hydraulic system powered by steam engines. This was later converted to an electro-hydraulic system in 1976.

5. Public Access: The bridge was officially opened on June 30, 1894, by the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) and his wife, Princess Alexandra. The high-level walkways were initially open to pedestrians but were closed in 1910 due to lack of use. They were reopened in 1982 as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which showcases the bridge's history and mechanics.

6. Significance: Tower Bridge is not just a functional piece of infrastructure; it has become a symbol of London and an architectural marvel. Its bascules are still raised around 800 times a year to allow river traffic to pass.

7. Modern Usage: Today, Tower Bridge serves both as a road and pedestrian crossing, and as a major tourist attraction. The Tower Bridge Exhibition offers visitors insights into the bridge's history, architecture, and engineering.