Tower Bridge

Identification

Map

Structure in general

Facts

• The bridge's framework is constructed from over 11,000 tons of steel which is clad in both Portland stone and Cornish granite.
• Over 430 labourers were employed in the bridge's construction.
• The bridge has twin walkways enclosed in glass which provide fine views of the city.
• When completed the bridge was the largest bascule bridge yet built.
• The bascules are raised to allow tall ships to pass through, an event which happens around 900 times per year.
• The bascules were originally steam-powered until 1976 when an electric system was installed.
• On April 5th 1968, a disgruntled Royal Air Force pilot flew a Hawker Hunter jet fighter in between the bridge's top span and main deck.
• The ironwork's current red white and blue colour scheme was adopted in 1977 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
• The bridge's deck can be raised to 87 degrees from the horizontal.
• Tower Bridge is the world's most famous bascule bridge, is one of the world's most famous and recognisable bridges and is one of London's most famous icons.
• A total of 8 building contractors worked on the bridge.
• The original hydraulic machinery was supplied by Sir W. G. Armstrong, Mitchell and Co., Ltd.
• Work commenced in April 1886, the foundation stone being laid on behalf of Queen Victoria by the Prince of Wales, the later King Edward VII.
• Construction costs at the time were around £1m.
• The complete length of the bridge, including the approaches is around half a mile.
• The width of the roadway is 10.6 metres (35 feet) and is bordered on each side by footways, each of which is 3.8 metres (12.5 feet).
• Measured from the level of the foundations, the total height of the towers is 89.3 metres (293 feet).
• The bridge was designed to blend harmoniously with the nearby The White Tower.
• Tower Bridge is Grade I Listed.