What is Tower Bridge?
Tower Bridge is a famous combined bascule and suspension bridge over the River Thames in London, next to the Tower of London. Opened in 1894, it has two Gothic-style towers and a road that lifts to let ships pass.
The bridge was built because the growing East End of London needed a river crossing that would not block tall ships heading to the Pool of London. It was designed by Horace Jones and engineer John Wolfe Barry.
The central road is made of two bascules, or leaves, that can be raised to allow ships through. Originally they were powered by steam engines, and today they use electric and hydraulic systems.
Visiting the bridge
The bridge still opens hundreds of times a year. Lift times are published in advance, and ships do not pay to pass.
Visitors can explore the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which includes high-level walkways between the towers with glass floors 42 metres above the river. The Victorian engine rooms display the original steam machinery.
Tower Bridge is often mistakenly called London Bridge by visitors. London Bridge is a separate, plainer bridge further upstream. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of London.