Description and History of Site:-
World famous bridge over the Thames connecting the City of London to Bermondsey. Built 1886-1894 by Sir John Wolfe Barry, Engineer and Sir Horace Jones, Architect. Following Jones' death in 1887 the architectural detailing was completed by Stevenson, one of Wolfe Barry's assistants. Design selected following an architectural competition with a brief of allowing sailing vessels access to the Pool of London whilst keeping in sympathy with the Tower of the Tower of London. The design is a complex mixture of bascule, girder and suspension principles. Non-structural stonework conceals steel semi-suspension bridge. Until 1967 the twin bascules were raised via hydraulic engines in the basement piers of each tower. Hydraulic power being provided by two Sir W.G. Armstrong Mitchell & Co of Elswick Newcastle tandem steam engines sited along with their Lancashire boilers in the arches below the southern approach road. This complex is preserved in situ. A third engine was added later but removed to Forncett steam museum in Norfolk in 1974. The twin overhead walkways were designed to permit foot passengers to cross even when the bascules were raised. The bridge was electrified in 1976 and parts were opened as a museum in 1982. Hydraulic lifts in towers gave access to overhead walkway, closed to public since turn of century until recent tourist developments. Hydraulic power station, TQ 336802, remains on south side of river east of Tower Bridge Rd. Distinctive chimney and tower with accumulators still in situ. Building began in 1886, opened in 1894.

Further Reading and References:-
Falconer, Keith. 'Guide to England's Industrial Heritage'. Batsford, 1980

https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/bridge-history/

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Key Words :- Bascule Bridge

Address :- Tower Bridge, London, Greater London, SE1 2UP
Grid Ref :- TQ 33622 80137
Co-ordinates :- Lat 51.504378 , Long -0.076147
Local Authority :- Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Greater London Council
Site Status :- Listed - Grade I
Historic England List No - 1385980, 1357515, 1385982, 1065833, 1385981,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1894 -
Record Date :- 2 June 2018

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