London Tower Bridge

[hkskyline]

Description

Tower Bridge was completed in 1894 after 8 years of construction. However, many people don't realise why it was even built in the first place, or why it is so different from London's other bridges. Originally, London Bridge was the only crossing over the Thames. As London grew, so more bridges were added, but these were all to the west of London Bridge, since the area east of London Bridge had become a busy port. In the 19th century, the east end of London became so densely populated that public pressure mounted for a bridge to the east of London Bridge, as journeys for pedestrians and vehicles were being delayed literally by hours.

Finally in 1876, the Corporation of London, who were responsible for that part of the Thames, decided that the problem could be put off no longer.

More Information : http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/TowerBridge/.../BridgeHistory/

The view from the upper level walkways is quite impressive. There are actually two parallel walkways - one facing east and the other facing west. Looking east towards Canary Wharf

Looking west towards St. Paul's

[PghUSA]

Very nice! I especially like the one with the London Skyline in back

[Urban_Legend]

Awesome pics! That really is a beautiful bridge, a work of art! London is on my list of places to visit, lol.

[urban addict 20324]

Cool, historical bridge. The towers must hold the machinery that raises the road deck.

[BrandonTO416]

These pics bring back so many memories. I wished I could be back! London is a great world city.

[Allan]

Great photos! The London Bridge is definately an amazing structure.

[monsoon]

Cool, historical bridge. The towers must hold the machinery that raises the road deck. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Great Great Photos! The mechanical bits for rasing the drawbridge are actually located in the base on each side. It is a true drawbridge that splits down the middle. Considering its age it was considered a feat of engineering when built.

[PghUSA]

A little off topic but I couldn't go without mentioning that this is the coolest skyscraper I've ever seen!

Very neat!

[hkskyline]

^ Yes, that is the Swiss Re building designed by Norman Foster.

[hkskyline]

The photos weren't working so I re-hosted them elsewhere :

The view from the upper level walkways is quite impressive. There are actually two parallel walkways - one facing east and the other facing west. Looking east towards Canary Wharf

Looking west towards St. Paul's

[urban addict 20324]

The mechanical bits for rasing the drawbridge are actually located in the base on each side. It is a true drawbridge that splits down the middle. Considering its age it was considered a feat of engineering when built.

I have to agree with that; building the towers for this bridge was like constructing a building in the middle of the river and on top of hoisting machinery and isn't that easy even today. I still think those towers are an engineering marvel and whoever built it was a true genious.

[wolfdawg54]

Thanks for the tour on London! I have really enjoyed all of the pictures of downtown, the London Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Thanks!