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A triumph of British Victorian engineering, now a London icon |
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In the 2nd half of the 19th century, increased commercial development in the East of London led to the requirement for a new river crossing downstream of London Bridge. A traditional fixed bridge could not be built because it would cut off access to the port facilities between London Bridge and the Tower of London. |
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A Special Bridge Committee was formed in 1876, to find a solution to the river crossing problem and decided to hold a public competition. Over 50 designs were submitted with the evaluation surrounded in controversy. It was not until 1884, some eight years later, that a design submitted by Horace Jones, a City Architect who also happened to be one of the judges, was approved as the winner. |
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Tower Bridge works in 1892 Source WikiMedia (PD) |
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Jones’ engineer, Sir John Wolfe Barry, devised the idea of a bascule bridge 800-feet (244-metres) in length with two towers each 213-feet (65-metres) high, built on piers. The central span of 200-feet (61-metres) between the towers was split into two equal bascules or leaves, which could be raised to an angle of 83 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The bascules, weighing over 1,000-tons each, were counterbalanced to minimize the force required and allow raising in just five minutes. The bridge mechanism was powered by steam engines, later replaced by an electro-hydraulic system, in 1976. |
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The bridge was completed in 1894 and this flamboyant piece of Victorian engineering quickly became a global icon of London. High above the bridge is a pedestrian walkway, 143-feet (44-metres) above the river, which allowed pedestrians to climb 300 steps and cross the river when the bridge was open. This walkway was closed in 1910 as it became a haunt for prostitutes and pick-pockets. |
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Tower Bridge with raised bascules to let a boat through Source WikiMedia (PD) |
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Today the bridge houses the Tower Bridge Exhibition, showcasing the history of the Bridge. You can enjoy breath-taking views from the high-level Walkways, and learn about how and why the Bridge was built. You can also visit the Victorian Engine Rooms, home to the beautifully maintained original steam engines that used to power the Bridge. Hands-on mechanisms and information panels explain about the ingenuous technology used over the years to keep Tower Bridge in motion. |
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The interior of the high-level walkway, now part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition Source WikiMedia (PD) |
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The Victorian Engine room, housing a pair of steam engines, built in 1894 and used to raise the bascules of the bridge Source WikiMedia (PD) |
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The Tower Bridge Exhibition is open daily 10am to 6pm. Entry costs £6 for adults, children £3. Pedestrian's can walk across the bridge for free. Tel: 020 7403 3761 |
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