Discovering the Fascinating History of Tower Bridge: A Comprehensive Guide
Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. Built over 125 years ago, it has become an important symbol of the city and an attraction for tourists from all over the world. The bridge is not only a stunning work of engineering, but it also has an interesting history. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge.
Building Tower Bridge
The original Tower Bridge design was created by Sir Horace Jones in 1876, but construction didn’t begin until 1886. The bridge was built to alleviate traffic congestion and improve river access to the port of London. It took eight years and 432 workers to build the bridge, which finally opened to the public in 1894.
The bridge’s unique design included two towers connected by a roadway suspended over the Thames River. The roadway could be lifted to allow sailing ships to pass through the bridge. The lifting mechanism was powered by a steam engine until 1976 when it was replaced by an electric motor.
Trivia and facts about Tower Bridge
– The bridge is 244 meters long and 65 meters high.
– It takes five minutes to raise and lower the roadway for a ship to pass.
– The color of Tower Bridge was originally brown, but it was repainted in blue and white in 1977 for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
– The bridge has appeared in numerous movies, including Bridget Jones’ Diary and Sherlock Holmes.
Tower Bridge during World War II
During World War II, the bridge played an important role in protecting London from air raids. Huge anti-aircraft guns were set up on the bridge, and blackout screens were installed to prevent light from the bridge from being seen by bombers.
Tower Bridge today
Today, Tower Bridge remains an iconic symbol of London, and it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in the UK. Visitors can take a tour of the bridge and learn about its history and engineering. The bridge also hosts numerous events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Conclusion
Tower Bridge is not just a stunning piece of architecture, but it’s also an important part of London’s history. From its construction to its role in World War II, the bridge has played an important role in the city’s development. Today, it remains a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike and serves as a testament to the incredible engineering achievements of the past.
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