The Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge is a famous landmark in London, England. It was built between 1886 and 1894 and was officially opened on June 30, 1894. The bridge was designed by the architect Sir Horace Jones in collaboration with the engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry. Sir Horace Jones served as the Architect and Surveyor to the City of London, and he was responsible for designing many other notable structures in London during that time.

Tower Bridge

Sir Horace Jones (1819-1887)

Sir John Wolfe Barry (1836-1918)

The construction of the Tower Bridge was initiated to address the increasing need for a crossing over the River Thames in the east of London. The area's growing population and expanding commercial activity necessitated a new bridge that could accommodate river traffic while allowing road traffic to pass uninterrupted. 

The total cost of constructing Tower Bridge amounted to around 1.2 million pounds, which was a significant sum at that time. The City of London Corporation and the Bridge House Estates funded the project. There was also some criticism during the construction due to its distinctive design. Some critics argued that its Gothic architectural style clashed with the surrounding structures and that a more traditional style should have been chosen. Fortunately, the bridge's unique appearance soon became iconic and widely recognized. 

Some interesting facts about the Towe Bridge:

• In 1876, the Corporation of London held a competition to design a new foot and vehicle bridge. More than 50 designs were submitted
• The construction team worked at heights up to 60m, with no safety nets or harnesses; 10 people lost their lives and 29 were seriously injured
• Weight of the steel used: 10,000t, equivalent to 5,400 London black cabs
• Weight of each tower: 70,000t, equivalent to 37,840 London black cabs
• Concrete used: over 53,000 cubic meters, equivalent to 24,300 London telephone boxes
• Length of Bridge: 430m from shore to shore
• Height of walkways: 33.5m above road level
• Height of Bridge: 63m from road level to top of the towers
• The roof consists of 48t slate (24 black cabs) and 55,000 copper nails
• A law was passed in 1885 still gives river traffic priority. As a result, if a ship needs to pass through the Tower Bridge, all road vehicles have to wait
• In 1976, steam engines were replaced by electric engines and oil hydraulics