Tower Bridge, completed in 1894, is a combined bascule and suspension bridge across the River Thames in London, built near the Tower of London to provide a new crossing point downstream of London Bridge without obstructing the tall-masted ships that then used the busy docks upriver. Its two towers support raised walkways and hydraulically powered bascules that could be lifted to let ships pass, a design intended to reconcile the needs of road traffic with those of river shipping in the heart of a major port city. It became, alongside the Tower of London beside it, one of the most recognizable landmarks associated with the city.
Facts
Classification
Heritage DesignationNationally Designated Heritage Site 1 Completion Year SignificanceA Grade I listed structure that has become a recognisable landmark of London. 1 In the Other Atlases
- Also in Architecture and Design Atlas: Tower Bridge, the same subject.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Tower Bridge
WikipediaSecond paragraph, opening-date sentence
The bridge was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales, on 30 June 1894.
Fourth paragraph, landmark sentence
Tower Bridge has become a recognisable London landmark.
Traffic section, current role
remains an important traffic route with 40,000 crossings every day.
Introduction, listed status
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule, suspension, and, until 1960, cantilever bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894.
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