Tower above the rest. (Tower Bridge)

Member Name: bruleo

Product:	Tower Bridge
Date:	26/10/01 (85 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great views, Many other attractions nearby, Reasonable Price.

Disadvantages: Can be long queues.

Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge is an excellent example of Victorian engineering. Not to be mistaken for London Bridge, which is the rather artless and featureless bridge just down river, Tower Bridge was constructed to fulfill a requirement that had arisen for a new permanent crossing for the Thames river. In fact, the booming success of London at the time, due largely to it's expansion as a major world trading port, meant that a bridge on that part of the Thames had to be unique, in that it could both cope with the increased river traffic and the 50% increase in London's population that occured under Queen Victoria's reign during the latter half of the 18th century. Prior to 1894 there had been no river crossing east of London Bridge at all. It was therefore decided that something had to be done and Tower Bridge was the result.

Not counting the many years of debate and planning, Tower Bridge took a full eight years to construct and soon became known as the Wonder Bridge. It's construction was unique and was the largest bridge of it's type ever constructed. It's use of hydraulic power to raise the immense bascules that allowed river traffic to pass, had never been used on such a scale. Each bascule weighs a staggering 1200 tons, which when required, take just 1 minute to rise to their full position.

The official opening of the bridge was on the 30th June 1894 and at the time of it's most prominent use, the bascules of London Bridge would have risen 20 or so times a day, often at only a moments notice. These days, however, they are rarely used at all and are only raised on average just fifteen times per week and this is only when given 24 hours notice! The decline in use is primarily due to the major increase of ship size that took place during the later half of the 20th century.

During the 2nd World War when London was being blitzed on a nightly basis, the Bridge only suffered a minor amount of damage. Many
other London landmarks suffered direct hits from bombs and the Tower of London that is sited on the bank of the Thames, next to the bridge was hit 15 times during the war.

Originally built for horse-draw carriages and the like, the bridge is still in full use today, by much of London's more modern and much heavier vehicles. The Bridge is well worth a visit, with talks and animatronic shows on each level that detail the history of the bridge and London itself..

It wasn't until 1982 that Tower Bridge opened as a tourist attraction and the high level walkways, 140 feet above the Thames, were also reopened to the public for the first time in 72 years. The walkways give stunning panoramic views for miles across London, both up and down river and from here you can see Canary Wharf that contains London's tallest building which was blown up by terrorists in 1996. In the distance you can also make out The London Eye, the worlds largest ferris wheel and St Paul's Cathedral, home to many a royal wedding.

Near to the bridge itself are HMS Belfast, a 2nd World War battle cruiser and The Tower Of London. HMS Belfast is worth a visit if you have time. Having served throughout the 2nd world war and playing a prominent part of the Normandy landings. The Tower of London's history is varied and somewhat sinister. Having had many diferent functions; from Palace to place of execution and now the home of the famous Crown Jewels, it is said that if the ravens ever leave the grounds, England will fall!

There is much to see and do in the vicinity of Tower Bridge it is easy to spend an entire day in the area. There are many good quality bars and restaurants along the banks of the river and plenty of atmosphere to take in.

(taken from my website: www.bruleo.co.uk)

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