The iconic Tower Bridge is one of London’s most famous landmarks, a symbol of the city and also, it is one of the most visited attractions. But if you want more of the experience than just a good selfie, get ahead of your travel game by knowing a few amazing facts about the Tower Bridge, so you can fully appreciate the view and opportunity to be in its present.

Fun facts to know about Tower Bridge before visitng:

Old AF

London’s Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames since 1894.

Crossing the river before Tower Bridge

Prior to the opening of Tower Bridge, those wishing to cross the river here would have used the Tower Subway, a 410 meter tunnel. Once used by one million people a year (each paid half a penny to do so), it closed to pedestrians in 1898 and is now used for water mains.

Design contest for the bridge

More than 50 designs were submitted for the bridge and the judging process was highly controversial; a design by Sir Horace Jones – who sat on the panel – was eventually approved. Jones died soon after construction began and George D. Stevenson took over, giving the Jones’s original brick facade a more ornate Gothic style.

Welcoming of the design

The Tower Bridge initially faced criticism from architectural experts. The structure was labelled “the vice of tawdriness and pretentiousness” and “absurd”.

Tower Bridge is still in work

Tower Bridge is required to raise to provide access to and egress from the Upper Pool of London for vessels with a mast or superstructure of 30 feet or more. The service is provided free of charge subject to 24 hours’ notice and is available any time, day or night, 365 days per year. The Bridge is raised around 850 times each year.

Ships always have right of way

That fact was made clear in 1997 when Bill Clinton’s presidential motorcade was split crossing Tower Bridge to allow the Thames sailing barge Gladys to pass as scheduled. “We tried to contact the American Embassy, but they wouldn’t answer the phone,” said a Tower Bridge spokesman.

High-level walkways then and now

The high-level, open-air walkways between the two towers were once a haunt for prostitutes and pickpockets, and closed in 1910.

They reopened in 1982 with an admission fee and visitors have been able to see inside Tower Bridge and discover the history of the bridge and why it came into existence through fascinating exhibition content. Visitors can also experience the exciting new glass floor and spectacular panoramic views from the high-level Walkways as well as the Victorian Engine Rooms, which house the beautiful steam engines that once powered the bridge lifts.

I guess back in the days for the same price you got blown with a view, but the glass floor is a nice trade off. This must-see attraction is a nice way to explore London’s defining landmark!

There’s an exhibition inside Tower Bridge

Its fascinating exhibition delves into significant moments in Tower Bridge history and how it was built, through interactive displays and videos about its impact on the River Thames. Visitors will also fall in love with the Tower Bridge glass floor that lines the structure’s two walkways, which provide a fascinating view of the Thames, London skyline and cars passing by down below.

Visit Tower Bridge’s new Glass Walkway, one of London’s most unique experiences, and learn about the Victorian steam bascules.

Tower Bridge began to open

In 1952, the bridge began to open while a double-decker bus was still on it. The number 78, which was being driven by Albert Gunton, had to accelerate and jumped a small, three-foot gap. He was awarded £10 for his bravery.

The Hawker Hunter incident

The Hawker Hunter Tower Bridge incident in 1968 saw Flight Lieutenant Alan Pollock, angry at the lack of aerial displays planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the RAF, take matters into his own hands. He took his Hawker Hunter jet on an unauthorized low-level flight, circling the Houses of Parliament three times, dipping his wings over the RAF Memorial and flying under the top span of Tower Bridge. “It was easy enough to fly over it, but the idea of flying through the spans suddenly struck me,” he said. “I had just ten seconds to grapple with the seductive proposition which few ground attack pilots of any nationality could have resisted.”

A Chinese Replica

I’m not saying there’s a Chinese copy of everything, but a replica of Tower Bridge can be found in the Chinese city of Suzhou. It has a cafe inside offering “English-style coffee”.

I hope you enjoyed reading it and let me know on one of my social channels if I forgot something.

Thanks,
Istvan