The Grand Opening of Tower Bridge
On the 30th June 1894, London witnessed a momentous occasion – the grand opening of Tower Bridge.
A Victorian Marvel of Engineering
This iconic landmark wasn’t just a bridge; this marvel of Victorian engineering was a symbol of progress, innovation, and the city’s ever-growing stature.
The story of Tower Bridge begins in the late 19th century. For decades, London had grappled with the challenge of accommodating ever-increasing river traffic, while maintaining access for horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians. The existing London Bridge simply couldn’t cope. London’s population and traffic were booming, but the river Thames was also a vital trade artery. A new crossing was needed that could carry vehicles over the river, without restricting tall ships moving up river.
A committee was formed to consider various bridge designs. Proposals included low-level bridges with swinging openings, high-level bridges with inclines, and even a tunnel under the river.
Intriguing, but none of these ideas perfectly addressed the dual needs of the city.
I really like this one though:
The solution came in the form of a bascule bridge,
The Birth of a Bascule Bridge
In 1878, Sir Horace Jones, the City architect, proposed a novel solution: a bascule bridge. An innovative design where the central span was divided into two “bascules” that could be raised to allow for tall ships to pass. The bridge’s two lateral sections would be elegant suspension bridges, complementing the nearby Tower of London.
Eight Years in the Making
John Wolfe Barry, an engineer, took the helm of the project after Sir Horace Jones’ passing in 1885.
Construction began in 1886 and proved to be a monumental undertaking: five main contractors and a tireless workforce of 432 people toiled for eight years to bring this visionary design to life. Over 432,000 tons of concrete, 11,000 tons of steel, and millions of bricks went into its creation.
The bridge’s design, a gothic revival style with twin towers, was chosen not only for its functionality but also to complement the architecture of the nearby Tower of London.
The Grand Opening: A Royal Spectacle
The opening ceremony on June 30th, 1894, was a grand affair. The Prince and Princess of Wales, Edward (the future King Edward VII) and Alexandra, presided over the festivities. The ceremony featured a procession of dignitaries, military bands, and a flotilla of decorated ships sailing through the newly opened bridge. The spectacle was documented by artists and photographers, capturing the grandeur of the occasion for posterity.
A Bridge for the Ages
Tower Bridge’s opening marked a turning point for London, as it eased traffic congestion without preventing large vessels to enter the pool of London.
In its first year, Tower Bridge’s bascules swung open a remarkable 6,194 times – an average of 17 lifts per day! This statistic paints a vivid picture of the bustling maritime traffic that once dominated the Thames. Today, with fewer tall ships navigating the river, the bridge still opens around 800 times a year.
But more than that, it became a beloved landmark and a symbol of London. You can visit it, as there is plenty more to discover about Tower Bridge.
You can prepare your visit here.
Helene
