8/19/2023 0 Comments Old tower bridgeIn 1982 they were reopened as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, a display housed in the bridge’s twin towers, the high-level walkways and the Victorian engine rooms. The high-level open air walkways between the towers gained an unpleasant reputation as a haunt for prostitutes and pickpockets as they were only accessible by stairs they were seldom used by regular pedestrians, and were closed in 1910. The bascules, weighing over 1,000 tons each, are counterbalanced to minimize the force required and allow raising in five minutes. The central span of 200 feet (61 m) between the towers is split into two equal bascules or leaves, which can be raised to an angle of 86 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The bridge is 800 feet (244 m) in length with two towers each 213 feet (65 m) high, built on piers. The Tower of London also influenced the final design. In fact, it’s named after the Tower of London which is located on one side of the Bridge. Tower Bridge isn’t named so because it is one of the few bridges on the Thames that features towers. There’s a live HD Webcam trained on Tower Bridge 24 hours a day. You Can Watch the Bridge Live, 24 Hours a Day Check out a gallery of the other designs here. ![]() The evaluation of the designs was surrounded by controversy, and it was not until 1884 that a design submitted by Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect (who was also one of the judges), was approved. Over 50 designs were submitted – some close to what was built and some that were absolutely bonkers. When the decision was taken to build a bridge, a design contest was held to choose the best design. There Were Over 50 Designs for the Bridge This is actually called Tower Bridge, London Bridge is further down the river and is much more utilitarian. It’s a common misconception that the bridge is called London Bridge (and that there’s a song about it). So, with much fanfare, here are 10 facts and figures you probably didn’t know about the iconic Bridge. The Bridge is celebrating its birthday today – it was opened on this day in 1894 by the Prince of Wales, (the future King Edward VII) with much celebration. Anyone who sees this Bridge immediately knows that it’s in London (so it’s often the first thing shown in stock footage about London). ![]() This special bridge is one that many associate with London. Tower Bridge was officially opened by the Prince of Wales (not the current one obviously) over 120 years ago.
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