Tower+Bridge

Tower Bridge The Tower Bridge, built in 1886-1894 is a suspension bridge over the River Thames, getting its name for being so close to the Tower of London. The plans for the bridge started in 1876,when the east side of London became extremely over crowed and a bridge over the River sounded like a grand idea. It took another eight years to finally agree on a design and to get it started. The plans was designed by the city architect, Horace Jones, a city architect, and John Wolfe Barry. The whole bridge took five contractors and about 450 workers to build this 265 meter long bridge. The frame work took 11,000 tons of steel to create the Victorian Gothic design, which many people disliked at the time. Over time, though the Victorian Gothic design became one of London's most famous symbols. The bridge's 'bridge' part is able to lift up to allow large boats or vessels to move through the opening. The mechanism to open the bridge is hidden in the two large towers, each are 213 feet high, on each side of the bridge, hence the name. In 1976, the mechanism became electrified. Before, they used steam-power to pump water into the hydraulic accumulators which powered the engines to open the bridge. Each deck on the bridge is about 30 meters wide and can be opened to an angle of 83 degrees. it used to open about 50 times a day and now only opens 1,000 times a year. The lifts are per-scheduled for cruise ships, etc. This tower bridge has two horizontal walkways over top so you can stroll out of the towers to catch a view of the magnificent London area. There are two towers across from each other to support these walkways and the bridge itself. When this tower was built it was said to have been the largest and most sophisticated bridge in all of England. It is now one of the most iconic representations of London itself. The Tower Bridge of London is a must see.

By Caitlyn Dixon