Tower Bridge

candid London tips

 

Why
Tower Bridge
is special

The Tower Bridge is one of the world's most photogenic bridges, especially when the two bascules (elevating spans) are raised to allow tall ships to pass through.

Tower Bridge
tips & insights

Once a source of ridicule

When the Tower Bridge was built in 1894, some citizens hated the design, calling it "monstrous" and "preposterous". Now Londoners consider it an endearing icon.

River vs. road traffic

Ships have the right of way. When the bascules are raised for them, land vehicular traffic backs up. (On June 2, 2005 a software glitch froze the lifted bascules for 10 hours, creating a monumental London traffic jam.). Fortunately, on average, the bascules are raised only 2 or 3 times a day.

Height

The two towers are as high as a modern 20-story building.

The twin spans

They are situated high above the roadway (in the photo they appear to be one). The spans used to be for pedestrians. They have been converted into a museum-like space where visitors can see various exhibits and a sweeping view of London.

Misnomer

Some tourists mistakenly call the Tower Bridge "London Bridge", which is upstream. (In the 20th century, the previous London Bridge, in failing shape, was sold to an American. It was dismantled then reassembled in Arizona as a tourist draw).

  

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