Construction officially began on April 22, 1886, under architect Sir Horace Jones, launching an eight year engineering project. More than 11,000 tons of steel formed the framework, later covered with Cornish granite and Portland stone to create the bridge’s Gothic appearance.
Tower Bridge history I The Victorian battle to cross the Thames
Tower Bridge stands as a monumental achievement of Victorian engineering, seamlessly blending functionality with Neo-Gothic grandeur. Despite its ancient appearance, the design was considered wildly modern for the 1890s, requiring more steel than the Eiffel Tower to build its framework. Delve into Tower Bridge history to discover how this ingenious drawbridge became London's most famous structure.
Tower Bridge history: A chronological timeline
- 1886: Construction on Tower Bridge officially began on April 22 under architect Sir Horace Jones, using 11,000 tons of steel beneath its Gothic stone exterior.
- 1894: Tower Bridge officially opened on June 30 by the Prince and Princess of Wales, immediately carrying both road traffic and river vessels.
- 1910: The high level pedestrian walkways closed due to low visitor use and safety concerns, as most pedestrians preferred waiting below instead.
- 1952: Bus driver Albert Gunter famously jumped his number 78 double decker across the opening bascules after a watchman failed to ring warning bells.
- 1973 & 1977: Tower Bridge gained Grade I Listed status in 1973, then received its iconic red, white, and blue paint scheme in 1977.
- 1974–1976: Tower Bridge replaced its original coal fired steam hydraulics with a modern electro hydraulic system powered by electric pumps and oil hydraulics.
- 1982: The preserved Victorian Engine Rooms opened to visitors, showcasing the original steam machinery once used to power Tower Bridge’s lifting bascules.
- 2012: Tower Bridge became a London Olympics icon, displaying suspended Olympic rings and appearing in the memorable James Bond opening ceremony sequence.
- 2014: The refurbished high level walkways reopened with transparent glass floors, giving visitors dramatic views directly above the traffic and River Thames below.
Tower Bridge history explained
Major moments in Tower Bridge history: Famous lifts and vessels
Enhance your visit
The towers hold 130+ years of secrets. Don't just read the Tower Bridge history—hear the untold stories of the architects, engineers, and workers who built it.
Construction and architecture of Tower Bridge
- Visionary Victorian design: Tower Bridge was designed by architect Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry, blending Victorian engineering innovation with dramatic Neo Gothic architecture.
- Inspired Medieval appearance: Its decorative towers and walkways were intentionally styled to resemble medieval buildings, helping the bridge visually complement the nearby Tower of London.
- Steel framework beneath the stone: Beneath the exterior sits a massive steel framework, with more than 11,000 tons of steel providing the bridge’s structural strength and stability.
- Protective granite and stone cladding: Cornish granite and Portland stone were added around the steel framework, protecting the metal underneath while creating Tower Bridge’s iconic historic appearance.
- Innovative bascule mechanism: The bridge’s most important engineering feature is its bascule system, where two giant lifting roadways pivot upward to create space for passing ships.
- Built for London’s busy river trade: This movable design allowed tall masted vessels to travel along the River Thames while road traffic continued crossing one of London’s busiest river routes.
Tower Bridge today: Why it matters
Frequently asked questions about Tower Bridge history
It represents a pinnacle of Victorian engineering, successfully solving the conflict between the need for a lower road crossing and the necessity of maintaining the River Thames’s busy shipping access.
They are often confused due to their proximity. However, the ornate, famous Tower Bridge is a distinct, Victorian marvel located near the Tower of London, while London Bridge is much older and plainer.
They were built to allow pedestrians to cross the river even when the bascules were raised. They were closed in 1910 due to lack of use, as people preferred to wait below.
As a key landmark and connection point to the Port of London, the bridge suffered some damage from enemy attacks between 1940 and 1942 but was quickly repaired and remained operational.
The design was chosen by Sir Horace Jones and Sir John Wolfe Barry. The bridge was opened by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII).
It originally ran on a massive coal-fired steam hydraulic system until 1974, when it was upgraded to the current, quieter, and more efficient electro-hydraulic system.
Yes, you can join a guided tour to learn more about the bridge’s history. The standard ticket also grants access to the Tower Bridge exhibition, which includes the historic Engine Rooms and narratives detailing the full construction and operational history.
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