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Tower Bridge Experience - Tower Bridge
Visitors are able to see one of the world's most famous bridges, with breathtaking views from the walkways, some 45 metres above the River Thames. The Tower Bridge Experience also includes an exhibition in the two towers, with information about the history behind the bridge.
The Need for a New Bridge
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London Bridge was originally the only crossing for the Thames. As London
grew, so more bridges were added, although these were all built to the
west of London Bridge, since the area east of London Bridge had become a
busy port. In the 19th century, the East End of London became so densely
populated that public need mounted for a new bridge to the east of
London Bridge, as journeys for pedestrians and vehicles were being
delayed by hours. Finally in 1876, the City of London Corporation,
responsible for that part of the Thames, decided the problem could be
delayed no longer.
The view today from the high level Walkways has changed dramatically,
although there are still signs of the area's amazing history. With the
aid of photographs and interactive kiosks, visitors to Tower Bridge
Exhibition can gain a greater understanding of how life would have been
when the idea of a new bridge was originally conceived.
How a Design was Chosen
A huge challenge faced the City of London Corporation - how to build a
bridge downstream from London Bridge without disrupting river traffic
activities. To generate ideas, the "Special Bridge or Subway Committee"
was formed in 1876, and opened the design for the new crossing to public
competition.
Over 50 designs were submitted for consideration, some of which are on
display at Tower Bridge Exhibition. It wasn't until October 1884
however, that Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with
John Wolfe Barry, offered the chosen design for Tower Bridge as a
solution.
The Building of the Bridge
It took 8 years, 5 major contractors and the relentless labour of 432
construction workers to build Tower Bridge.
Two massive piers were sunk into the river bed to support the
construction and over 11,000 tons of steel provided the framework for
the Towers and Walkways. This framework was clad in Cornish granite and
Portland stone to protect the underlying steelwork and to give the
Bridge a more pleasing appearance.
To learn more about the building of Tower Bridge, the people involved in
its construction and why it was needed, visit The Tower Bridge
Exhibition where video screenings explain the entire project, including
the difficulties faced.
How it Works - Then and Now
When it was built, Tower Bridge was the largest and most sophisticated
bascule bridge ever completed ("bascule" comes from the French for
"see-saw"). These bascules were operated by hydraulics, using steam to
power the enormous pumping engines. The energy created was stored in six
massive accumulators, as soon as power was required to lift the Bridge,
it was always readily available. The accumulators fed the driving
engines, which drove the bascules up and down. Despite the complexity of
the system, the bascules only took about a minute to raise to their
maximum angle of 86 degrees.
Today, the bascules are still operated by hydraulic power, but since
1976 they have been driven by oil and electricity rather than steam. The
original pumping engines, accumulators and boilers are now exhibits
within the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Tower Bridge Exhibition - A History
In 1910 the high level Walkways were closed to the public due to lack of
use. People arriving on the bridge preferred to wait at street level for
it to close rather then heading up the stairs carrying their heavy
loads. In 1982, as part of the new Tower Bridge Exhibition, visitors to
the bridge could once again enter the walkways, now fully covered, and
experience the amazing panoramic views. Although Tower Bridge is now
powered by oil and electricity, the original steam engines maintained by
a dedicated team of technical officers remain in their original location
for all to see. This area is known as the Victorian Engine Rooms, the
second section of Tower Bridge Exhibition. Over the past 26 years, the
exhibition has been developed to keep pace with modern day needs without
losing its Victorian essence. Through interactive kiosks and video walls
along with knowledgeable Guides, visitors can learn about key events in
the Bridge's history, ranging from Royal visits to dare devil stunts.
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