Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic symbols of London and the United Kingdom in general. This stunning piece of engineering has featured in many films and television programmes, often featuring as the scene for dramatic action.

All of this national symbolism aside, Tower Bridge is a fascinating piece of construction. Firstly, it is a bascule; a moving bridge that can open in the center, usually used for allowing ships with tall masts to pass underneath. It is also a more traditional suspension bridge. It provides a crossing over the River Thames in London, and takes it’s name from the nearby Royal prison and residence, the Tower of London.

Tower Bridge is two towers which are linked at the upper level by two walkways which are designed to withstand the pressure applied by the suspension section of the bridge. The bascule machinery is in the lower section of each tower. The two suspension bridges run on opposite sites of each tower. The walkways and viewing platforms are both functional, in providing stability for the suspension bridges, as well as a pleasurable use.

Tower Bridge is often mistakenly called London Bridge; most likely due to it’s iconic status as a London landmark. London Bridge, however, is a different bridge entirely and is further upstream.

Construction on Tower Bridge began in 1886, and took eight years. It was designed to be both a bascule, for the River Thames traffic, and a suspension bridge. It was given a Victorian Gothic style, to keep in line with the nearby Tower of London. Two primary architects served on the building of the bridge; Horace Jones began the project, and it was finished by George D Stevenson.

Tower Bridge was officially opened on June 30th 1984, by the Prince of Wales at the time – the future King Edward VII – and his wife, Alexandra of Denmark. The main structure is unchanged since it’s opening, however the colors do differ; in 1977, the bridge was painted red, white and blue to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee. Uplights have also been added to each tower over the years, to increase the majestic sight of the bridge itself.

Tower Bridge is not just an icon; it is a working bridge. Over 40,000 pedestrians and motorists cross the bridge on any given day. The speed is restricted to 20mph, ostensibly to protect the historical structure, though it is outside of the London Congestion Charge zone. The bascules are raised around 1,000 per year, with any tall boat needing to pass under the bridge taking precedence over road traffic.

Yet amid the construction genius and the working job of it, Tower Bridge is still arguably first and foremost a symbol, icon and landmark. It’s position in society as a place of great exhibition continues; as recently as summer 2008, the presenters of the popular BBC television series Top Gear launched their road tour atop Tower Bridge. It’s position and status is unassailable, and though a four million pound overhaul is expected to update the colors, the essence of Tower Bridge will never truly be changed.