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The Tower Bridge, named after its two impressive towers, is one of London's best known landmarks. This Victorian Bridge is now more than 100 years old. Completed in 1894, after eight years of construction. The middle of the bridge can be raised to permit large vessels to pass and used to be raised about 50 times a day, but nowadays it is only raised 4 to 5 times a week.

Originally, London Bridge was the only crossing over the Thames. As London grew more bridges were added, but these were all to the west. 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 City of London Corporation, who were responsible for that part of the Thames, decided that the problem could be put off no longer.

Breakaway's Images of Tower Bridge, London

When it was built, Tower Bridge was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever built. A hydraulically operated bridge using steam to power the enormous pumping engines. The energy created was then stored in six massive accumulators so that, as soon as power was required to lift the Bridge, it was readily available. The accumulators fed the driving engines, which drove the bascules up and down. Despite the complexity of the system, the bascules only took about a minute to raise to their maximum 86 degrees.

Tower Bridge Exhibition

Here are a few interesting facts you may not have known:

1910 - The high-level walkways, which were designed so that the public could still cross the Bridge when it was raised, were closed down due to lack of use. Most people preferred to wait at the bottom and watch the bascules rise up!

1977 -Tower Bridge was painted red, white and blue to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee. (Before that, it was painted a chocolate brown colour).

1982 - Tower Bridge opened to the public for the first time since 1910, with a permanent exhibition inside called the Tower Bridge Exhibition. The Walkways were glazed for the first time to house the new Exhibition.

1993 - The centenary exhibition - The Tower Bridge Experience opened, featuring animatronic models telling the story of Tower Bridge.

1994 - Tower Bridge became available to hire for parties and receptions.

2002 - The current Tower Bridge Exhibition opened, refocusing on the magnificent views from the Walkways and the history of the Bridge.

2007 - Tower Bridge celebrates 25 years of welcoming visitors to its Exhibition

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