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towerbridge(The Story Behind London’s Iconic Tower Bridge)

1. Historical Background

Tower Bridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks of London, is a suspension bridge built over River Thames in the late 19th century. The need for a new river crossing was felt as the population of London grew rapidly and the older London Bridge was found to be inadequate. The City of London Corporation invited entries for a design of a new bridge in 1876 and finally, in 1884, the design of Sir Horace Jones and Sir John Wolfe Barry was selected.

2. Construction of the Bridge

The construction of the Tower Bridge began in 1886 and took eight long years to complete. It was officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1894. Interestingly, during the construction of the bridge, a massive underground chamber was dug on the south bank of the river to house the giant hydraulic engines that powered the bridge. The engines are still intact and can be viewed by visitors.

3. Unique Features of the Bridge

Tower Bridge is unique in many ways. The most striking feature of the bridge is its two tall towers that are connected by two horizontal walkways. These walkways were originally designed for pedestrians to cross the river even when the bridge was open, but now they are used as exhibition galleries, offering breathtaking views of the city. The bridge is also equipped with a movable roadway that can open up in the middle to allow large ships to pass through.

4. Fascinating Facts about Tower Bridge

Did you know that the color of the Tower Bridge was not always blue? It was originally painted chocolate brown but was repainted in its current blue and white color scheme to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. Another interesting fact is that the bridge is not named after its towers but after the nearby Tower of London. It is also said that the bridge was almost sold to an American businessman in the 1960s, who wanted to transport it to his private island in Arizona, but the sale was eventually called off.

5. Tower Bridge Today

Tower Bridge is not just a functional piece of infrastructure but a cultural icon that represents the spirit of London. Today, the bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. In 2016, a glass walkway was installed on the bridge, allowing people to walk across the top of the bridge and enjoy the views from a new perspective.

6. The Future of Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge has stood the test of time and has witnessed many historic moments in London’s history. As London continues to evolve as a global city, the future of Tower Bridge remains bright. The bridge will always be an integral part of the cityscape and will continue to inspire generations to come.

Visiting Tower Bridge is a must-do activity for anyone planning to visit London. The bridge is not just an engineering marvel but a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture. Standing on the bridge, one can feel the vibrant energy of London and get a glimpse of the city’s past, present, and future.

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