Tower Bridge in London (England) - combined bascule and suspension bridge

Where is located Tower Bridge?

Address of Tower Bridge is London, England
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When was built Tower Bridge?

Built date of Tower Bridge is 1886 - 1894

Facts, informations and history of Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge in London crossing the River Thames has become a symbol of London, providing not only a practical link between boroughs, but also a symbol of its rich history and architectural heritage.

London's history is one of constant growth and change. With the growth of the city in the 19th century, the need for a new bridge over the Thames became inevitable. In response to this challenge, an ambitious project was undertaken to build a new bridge that would connect the boroughs on the east and west banks of the river.

Architectural geniuses Sir Horace Jones and Sir John Wolfe Barry were chosen to create the design for the bridge, which was erected between 1886 and 1894.

Tower Bridge stands out not only for its monumental size, but also for its distinctive design. Inspiration for its construction was drawn from various architectural styles, combining them into a unique composition.

Its central section consists of two drawbridge spans weighing 1,100 tonnes each, rising in 90 seconds.

The pinnacled towers and the pier conceal the mechanism used to lift the movable spans. They are raised to allow large ships to pass or on special occasions. The bridge's towers house a museum of its history and the upper platform, now open to tourists, offers a beautiful view of the River Thames.

The bridge is 60 metres wide and 40 metres high when the spans are raised. In its best days, the bridge was opened five times a day.

Tower Bridge is the only movable bridge of the 29 on the River Thames.

The most recognisable feature of the bridge is the lifting mechanism that allows larger vessels to pass over the Thames.

In 1952 when a bus crossed Tower Bridge, the bridge began to lift, fortunately no one was hurt.

Tower Bridge not only provides a practical link between London boroughs, its distinctive silhouette is primarily used in marketing and promoting London around the world. In addition, the bridge attracts millions of tourists a year, who enjoy admiring its architecture and taking part in rides on its upper section.

Initially, not everyone was convinced by the idea of building Tower Bridge. Some criticised the project for its costliness and potential obstruction to shipping. However, once the bridge opened, it quickly became an integral part of London's landscape.

In addition, Tower Bridge has witnessed many important historical events, including royal journeys and ceremonies and parades to mark various anniversaries and celebrations.

Over the years, Tower Bridge has also undergone upgrades and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and preserve its historic character.

Architect of Tower Bridge

Construction/building type

Building Tower Bridge is of type Floating bridge

Architectural style

Architectural style of Tower Bridge is Victorian

Other dimensions, parameters and frequently asked questions

How many meters have Tower Bridge?

Tower Bridge have length 880 feet
200 feet - the longest single span

What material is the building made of?

Tower Bridge is made of the following materials: Steel, stone

Official website

The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://www.towerbridge.org.uk