125 years old and still standing strong...
Published: 21 June 2011
A visiting Architect once commented that in today’s modern
throwaway society even structures have a design life expectancy and
for a bridge this is apparently 125 years. On the 21st June 2011,
it will be exactly that period of time since Albert Edward; Prince
of Wales (later King Edward VII) laid the foundation stone of Tower
Bridge. The stone can still be seen today at the west base of the
North Abutment next to the Tower of London.
In 1884, after many years of argument about the need for and
design of a bridge that was suitable to satisfy the requirements of
both the Maritime and Road Haulage interests, Horace Jones, City of
London Architect had presented a Bascule design powered by a Steam
Hydraulic system which for the time was cutting edge technology.
This design had been quickly approved and the Tower Bridge Act was
passed through Parliament, receiving the Royal Assent in 1885. On
21st April 1886, the ground was broken in preparation for the
construction of London’s new bridge.
The Bridge eventually took eight years to complete, mainly
because of the need to keep the Port of London open. Sadly, Horace
Jones never lived to see his design completed; he died in 1887 and
his work was completed by his partner, John Wolfe-Barry. On 30th
June 1894, the Prince of Wales returned to open Tower Bridge, eight
years and nine days after he had laid the foundation stone.
Designed to allow for the passage of traffic both along and
across the Thames, the Bridge has come to be considered London’s
river gateway. Today, the Bridge still does exactly what it was
designed for; however, it now represents so much more. Run as
a non profit business any surplus goes to the Bridge House Estates
Trust which helps maintain a number of bridges along the Thames.
Tower Bridge also provides great views of the ever-changing London
skyline, as well as housing an entertaining and informative
Exhibition. In addition, Tower Bridge has 4 fantastic venues
available for hire, with events ranging from drinks receptions
through to weddings.
Tower Bridge is a unique structure that immediately identifies
London (there is no other bridge in the world like it) for both
domestic and foreign visitors as well as the media. 125 years after
the laying of the foundation stone, Tower Bridge is still going
strong and is likely to continue to serve the people of London for
the next 125 years too.
Written by Iain Stanford - Customer Care Ambassador
Iain plays a vital role as part of a dedicated team of
guides in ensuring that the customer experience at Tower Bridge is
second to none. Iain can often be seen assisting visitors by
answering questions on both the Bridge's construction and
operation. With an in depth knowledge of the Bridge’s history
Iain is one of several guides that can be booked for guided tour,
please contact 0207 407 9191 for further details.