Tower Bridge Turns 131: A Tribute to London’s Landmark
It’s 30 June 2025, and Tower Bridge, the bascule and suspension marvel, turned 131 years old today. Opened on this day in 1894, it remains one of London’s most iconic—and intricate—structures. Let's dive into how it came to be, the creative minds behind it, and why it still captures imaginations around the world.
The Vision: A Bridge That Opens
By the late 1800s, London’s East End was bustling—and London Bridge alone wasn’t enough. The Port of London Committee announced a public competition in 1876, receiving over 50 designs. The winning proposal in 1884 was by Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect, with engineering by Sir John Wolfe Barry—a combination of elegant Gothic style and ingenious function
Jones died in 1887, so Edward Cruttwell, his 28-year-old resident engineer, stepped in and oversaw the project through to its grand opening
Construction: Victorian Engineering at Its Best
Construction began on 22 April 1886. Over 432 workers laboured tirelessly, embedding two massive piers into the riverbed and welding 11,000 tons of steel to frame the twin towers and walkways. The steel structure was elegantly clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone, blending function with beauty
When it opened in 1894, the bascules—balanced like seesaws—could rise to 86° in just 60 seconds, powered by steam-hydraulic machinery via six high-pressure accumulators.
Royal Launch: A National Celebration
On 30 June 1894, the future King Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) and Princess Alexandra, alongside their son, the Duke of York (later George V), presided over the opening ceremony.
The Prince pulled the lever to raise the bascules, allowing a fleet of steamers to pass—a true spectacle for Londoners, complete with a royal carriage procession, gun salutes from the Tower, and colorful flags fluttering everywhere.
The Engineering Legacy
When built, Tower Bridge was the most advanced bascule bridge ever made
By 1976, the original steam motors were replaced with electric-hydraulic systems, and the old machinery now sits on display in the restored Engine Rooms
Today, it still lifts around 800–1,000 times per year, allowing boats with no charge
Milestones & Memorable Moments
1910: High-level walkways were closed due to lack of use (they reopened as part of the visitor experience in 1982)
1912: A daring pilot, Frank McClean, flew through the raised bascules in a seaplane!
1952: Driver Albert Gunter famously leapt his double-decker bus across the gap as the bridge rose—everyone survived unscathed
1977: Painted red, white, and blue to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
2012: For the Olympic Opening Ceremony, the bridge rose in "full salute" as the Royal Barge floated beneath
Why Tower Bridge Matters Today
It remains a major Thames crossing—40,000 people cross it daily
It's a Grade I listed structure, maintained by the City Bridge Foundation.
The visitor exhibition includes Engine Room tours, high-level glass walkway views, and the original engine machinery.
It’s as theatrical as ever—raised for everything from Royal ceremonies to film shoots
Today’s Celebration: 131 Years Strong
As Tower Bridge marks its 131st birthday, Londoners and visitors are celebrating in style—tours, historic displays, and birthday-themed events are lighting up the bridge all month .
From its humble beginnings in 1886 to its ongoing role as a functional and cultural icon today, Tower Bridge remains a symbol of inventive engineering, civic pride, and London’s layered history.
Happy Birthday, Tower Bridge!
If you’re near the Thames, drop by, catch today’s celebratory lift, or simply toast to its enduring legacy.
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