Tower Bridge, located east of London Bridge, is one of London’s most famous landmarks. This Victorian bascule bridge spans the River Thames, features two iconic towers, and allows large ships to pass. The bridge is also a visitor attraction featuring high-level glass walkways and the original engine rooms.
Tower Bridge history – why and when the bridge was built
By the late 19th century, the growth of East London created the need for a new river crossing downstream from London Bridge. In 1876, the City of London launched a public design competition that received more than 50 proposals. A suitable solution was not immediately found, and the final design was not approved until 1884, when architect Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry submitted their joint proposal.
Jones was responsible for the architectural appearance, while Wolfe Barry handled the structural and technical design. Construction began in 1886, and the bridge opened to traffic in 1894. Jones’s Gothic Revival style also drew criticism at the time, as some contemporaries considered it too ornate for the location. However, the design was intended to complement the historic setting of the nearby Tower of London.
Tower Bridge architecture and engineering – bascule and suspension bridge
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge. Its central section consists of two opening leaves that allow large vessels to pass along the Thames, while the side spans are supported by suspension elements.
The bridge is 240 metres long, and its two towers rise 65 metres high. Heavy traffic crosses the bridge daily, and it typically opens around 800 times per year.
The bascules, each weighing over 1,200 tonnes, are counterbalanced to make lifting and lowering easier. Originally, the bridge was powered by steam-driven hydraulic pumps requiring more than 20 tonnes of coal per week; in 1976, the system was converted to electricity.
Tower Bridge was built using Portland stone and Cornish granite, chosen for both durability and visual impact. Its innovative design and scale made it one of the most impressive engineering achievements of the Victorian era.
Tower Bridge and the City of London – administrative link
Tower Bridge is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation. The bridge displays the City of London’s official coat of arms, featuring the Cross of St George and a sword. These symbols reflect the City’s responsibility for the bridge and the historic importance of the Thames as a trade and transport route.
Tower Bridge Exhibition – walkways and engine rooms
On the Tower Bridge tour, visitors can walk along the high-level walkway 42 metres above the River Thames. The glass floors provide a unique view of the bridge and the river traffic passing below.
The visit also includes the engine rooms, where the bridge’s original machinery and its operation through different periods are explained.
From the walkways, you can see several London landmarks, including The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, as well as excellent views towards the City of London.
Tower Bridge in films and popular culture
Tower Bridge appears widely in popular culture and has featured in films such as Spider-Man: Far From Home, Sherlock Holmes, Spice World and Now You See Me 2. It also appeared in the London 2012 Olympics sequence in which James Bond and Queen Elizabeth II flew by helicopter beneath the bridge on their way to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.
Tips for visiting Tower Bridge – timing and photography
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when crowds may be smaller. It is also worth checking the bridge lift schedule, as watching the bridge open is an attraction in itself. The official website lists upcoming lift times.
Sunrise and the golden hour after sunset are excellent for photography. London Bridge offers a particularly fine view across HMS Belfast towards Tower Bridge.
As always, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist season.
Tower Bridge vs London Bridge – common confusion
A common misconception concerns the bridge names. The famous children’s rhyme about London Bridge is often mistakenly associated with Tower Bridge. London Bridge has a long and complex history, but its current structure is visually much simpler compared with the ornate architecture of Tower Bridge.
