London has many bridges crossing the Thames, but this is one of the most loved.  It took eight years to construct and opened officially on 30 June 1894.

Some of London’s bridges have undergone massive change and, for some, frequent replacement.  But Tower Bridge continues to be proud of both its design and its technology.

In the ninteenth century it was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever completed. The bascules were operated by hydraulics.   Despite their complexity they only took about a minute to raise to their maximum angle of 86 degrees.  Now operated by oil and electricity rather than steam, the bridge continues to open when required.

Copyright Debbie Smyth, 28 June 2016

Part of Always There