Tower Bridge information

Tower Bridge, one of the London's most famous landmarks, is a bascule and suspension bridge on River Thames.
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Facts and History of Tower Bridge in London.

1. What is special about Tower Bridge?
2. What are the details of Tower Bridge?
3. Did you know facts about Tower Bridge?
4. What is Tower Bridge made of?
5. What is Tower of London famous for?
6. What makes the Tower bridge strong?
7. Why is Tower Bridge blue?
8. What makes the Tower bridge strong?
9. Why is Tower Bridge a masterpiece of engineering?
10. What does the Tower bridge symbolize?
11. Why is Tower Bridge blue?
12. Do people live in Tower Bridge?

What is special about Tower Bridge?

Tower Bridge is the only bridge over the Thames that can be raised as it is a combined bascule (drawbridge) and suspension bridge. This means that the middle section of the bridge can be raised to allow river traffic to pass through.

What are the details of Tower Bridge?

The bridge was completed in 1894. It is about 240 metres (800 feet) in length and provides an opening 76 metres (250 feet) wide. Its twin towers rise 61 metres (200 feet) above the Thames. Between the towers stretch a pair of glass-covered walkways that are popular among tourists.

Did you know facts about Tower Bridge?

When first built, Tower Bridge was the most sophisticated bascule bridge ever completed. The bascules were operated by hydraulics, using steam to power the enormous pumping engines. Today, the bascules are still operated by hydraulic power, but are driven by oil and electricity rather than steam.

What is Tower Bridge made of?

Now made of concrete and steel, it replaced a 19th century stone arched bridge designed by Scottish civil engineer John Rennie, which in turn succeeded a 600-year-old stone-built structure. This 600-year-old stone-built bridge was preceded by a number of timber bridges, the first of which was constructed by the Romans.

What is Tower of London famous for?

As the most secure castle in the land, the Tower guarded royal possessions and even the royal family in times of war and rebellion. But for 500 years monarchs also used the Tower as a surprisingly luxurious palace. Throughout history, the Tower has also been a visible symbol of awe and fear.

What makes the Tower bridge strong?

Each bascule moves around an off-centre pivot, meaning they look a bit like a seesaw in a children's playground. They are better than a drawbridge because each side of the bascule is evenly balanced, meaning less energy is required to open up the roads and no pressure is put on the tower during opening and closing.

Why is Tower Bridge blue?

Before its restoration in the 2010s, the bridge's colour scheme dated from 1977. It was originally painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. Its colours were subsequently restored to blue and white. The restoration of the bridge is vital to protect this landmark for the future.

What makes the Tower bridge strong?

Each bascule moves around an off-centre pivot, meaning they look a bit like a seesaw in a children's playground. They are better than a drawbridge because each side of the bascule is evenly balanced, meaning less energy is required to open up the roads and no pressure is put on the tower during opening and closing.

Why is Tower Bridge a masterpiece of engineering?

Tower Bridge is an excellent example of Victorian engineering at its best. As a combined bascule and suspension bridge, Tower Bridge allows vehicles and pedestrians to safely cross over the Thames, while also being able open and allow large ships to pass through.

What does the Tower bridge symbolize?

But within decades, the bridge had come to symbolise the capital. The public warmed to its appearance, while its survival of the Blitz represented the strength of the city. The bridge even played a starring role in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Why is Tower Bridge blue?

Before its restoration in the 2010s, the bridge's colour scheme dated from 1977. It was originally painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. Its colours were subsequently restored to blue and white. The restoration of the bridge is vital to protect this landmark for the future.

Do people live in Tower Bridge?

Saviour's Dock and Tower Bridge has some of the most exclusive flats for young couples. Young couples living in Tower Bridge have the advantage of being close to the City, the financial district of Canary Wharf and Central London.