Tower Bridge from the south side of the Thames
Copyright © 2001 by Carol Fisher

The surprising thing about Tower Bridge is that it is just over 100 years old. It is now such a symbol of London, recognised throughout the world, that many people think it is much older.

Even in the latter part of the 19th century parts of London suffered from traffic congestion, no more so than on London Bridge, the most easterly of the capital's bridges. In August 1882 a census was taken over two days on London Bridge. During a 24 hour period over 22,000 vehicles crossed the bridge and more than 100,000 pedestrians. The need for a new bridge was urgent.

London Bridge in about 1900, after Tower Bridge had been built. Even so there is a large number of horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians using the bridge.

However, in the late 19th century and on into the mid 20th century, the Thames was a major artery for London and the docks were busy and prosperous. It was therefore imperative that a new bridge did not obstruct river traffic.

In 1884 a decision was made to build a bascule bridge, one that is raised and lowered by counterweights, close tothe Tower of London connecting the City to Southwark. The engineer selected for the project was John Wolfe-Barry and the architect Sir Horace Jones although he died the same year and his designed was not strictly followed.

It is surprising looking at Tower Bridge to realise that it is built of steel. The Cornish stone towers are simply decorative and designed to complement the nearby Tower of London.

The high level walkway above the road was meant for the use of pedestrians when the bridge was open and lifts were provided to take them up and down. To raise and lower the bridge only takes five minutes so few people ever bothered to use the walkway for that purpose.

The first stone was laid by the Prince of Wales in 1881 and it was completed and opened, again by the Prince of Wales, thirteen years later in 1894.

The Tower Bridge Experience

Copyright © 2001 by Carol Fisher.