Royal Destatinations - United Kingdom - London - Tower Bridge
The most iconic symbol of London is of course the amazing Tower Bridge over the River Thames.
History
In the second half of the 19th. century the East End area of London increased her commercial development and a new bridge was needed. However a fixed bridge couldn't be built due to the ship traffic over the River Thames.
In 1877 a Special Bridge or Subway Committee was founded. The design of Sir Horace Jones, a City Architect, was approved. It was Sir Jones' engineer who launched the idea of a bascule bridge with two towers.
In 1887 the construction works started. This took eight years with five major contractors: Sir John Jackson, Baron Armstrong, William Webster, Sir H.H Bartlett and Sir William Arrol & Co.
Royal Link
On June 30th. 1894 the Tower Bridge was officially opened by The Prince of Wales (the later King Edward VII) and his wife the Princess of Wales (Princess Alexandra of Danmark).
Other important dates for the Tower Bridge
1942: During World War II, a third engine was installed as precaution against the
enemy actions
1974: the operation mechanism was largely replaced by new electro-hydraulic
drive
1982: the Tower Bridge exhibition opened and housed in its Towers
From 2008-2012: a facelift took place
2012: Olympic games in London
Interesting Facts
* the bridge is 800 feet or 240 meters long between the two towers
* the main deck carries to lanes of road traffic and it is crossed over by 40,000 people every day (motorists, cyclists and pedestrians)
* a replica of the bridge was built in the town of Suzhou in China.
 |
| Tower Bridge London - Own Picture |
History
In the second half of the 19th. century the East End area of London increased her commercial development and a new bridge was needed. However a fixed bridge couldn't be built due to the ship traffic over the River Thames.
In 1877 a Special Bridge or Subway Committee was founded. The design of Sir Horace Jones, a City Architect, was approved. It was Sir Jones' engineer who launched the idea of a bascule bridge with two towers.
In 1887 the construction works started. This took eight years with five major contractors: Sir John Jackson, Baron Armstrong, William Webster, Sir H.H Bartlett and Sir William Arrol & Co.
 |
| Tower Bridge London - Own picture |
Royal Link
On June 30th. 1894 the Tower Bridge was officially opened by The Prince of Wales (the later King Edward VII) and his wife the Princess of Wales (Princess Alexandra of Danmark).
Other important dates for the Tower Bridge
1942: During World War II, a third engine was installed as precaution against the
enemy actions
1974: the operation mechanism was largely replaced by new electro-hydraulic
drive
1982: the Tower Bridge exhibition opened and housed in its Towers
From 2008-2012: a facelift took place
2012: Olympic games in London
Interesting Facts
* the bridge is 800 feet or 240 meters long between the two towers
* the main deck carries to lanes of road traffic and it is crossed over by 40,000 people every day (motorists, cyclists and pedestrians)
* a replica of the bridge was built in the town of Suzhou in China.
 |
| On the Tower Bridge in London - Own picture |
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