Why Tower Bridge Was Once Painted Brown (And Other Colour Secrets)
London’s iconic bridge wasn’t always blue and white… and the reason why might surprise you.
Tower Bridge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world — with its signature baby blue accents and white towers standing proudly over the Thames. But did you know it was once painted an entirely different colour?
In fact, its whole look has changed multiple times throughout history.
Let’s dive into the surprising colour timeline of Tower Bridge — and reveal some of London’s other hidden architectural colour secrets along the way.
The Original Look: Shades of Chocolate Brown?
When Tower Bridge opened in 1894, it wasn’t blue and white — it was painted in a rather drab chocolate brown. The Victorian-era colour palette was much more muted than today’s, aiming to make the bridge appear serious, industrial, and dignified.
Elegant? Maybe. Striking? Not so much.
Why It Turned Red, White & Blue (Spoiler: It’s Royal)
In 1977, Tower Bridge got its now-iconic red, white, and blue colour scheme. Why?
To mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee — celebrating 25 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The change was meant to reflect national pride and give the bridge a patriotic glow.
It stayed that way for over 30 years, becoming the version most Londoners grew up with.
The Modern Look: Clean Blues & Crisp Whites
In 2010, Tower Bridge underwent a massive makeover — a £4 million restoration project that took four years. During this time, the red elements were removed, and the bridge was painted in its current blue and white colour scheme, designed to be fresh, elegant, and more historically accurate to the Victorian Gothic style.
The restoration involved more than just a paint job — 22,000 litres of paint were used to protect the structure and highlight its architectural details.
Why Paint Matters (It’s Not Just for Aesthetics)
Tower Bridge is constantly exposed to sun, rain, wind, and Thames mist. The paint isn’t just cosmetic — it’s a critical protective layer against corrosion. The blue and white paint also helps highlight the contrast between the stone towers and the steel bascules (the parts that lift).
So yes — it’s pretty and practical.
Other London Colour Secrets You Might’ve Missed
🔸 Black Cab Colour Myth
Most of London’s black cabs are, in fact, not black anymore. You’ll spot them in bright pink, green, and even wrapped in ads. But they’re still called black cabs.
🔸 BT Tower Once Lit Up Messages
In the early 2000s, the BT Tower had a giant LED screen that displayed news headlines and quirky messages. It's since gone mostly dark — but rumours swirl it may return for special events.
🔸 The White Tower at the Tower of London Was Once… Whitewashed
That big white castle? Its name comes from when Henry III ordered it whitewashed in 1240 — covering the stone in lime-based paint to brighten it up.
🔸 Downing Street’s Glossy Black Door
The famous No. 10 door isn’t actually black wood — it’s coated in black gloss so shiny it looks almost like glass.
Visiting Tower Bridge? Here’s What to Look For
Spot the contrasting shades: the crisp white stone vs the pale blue steelwork.
Look closely at the bridge joints and rivets — they’re still hand-painted.
Check the glass floor in the Tower Bridge Exhibition — and admire the colours from above and below.
Final Thought
Tower Bridge isn’t just a marvel of engineering — it’s a canvas of British history, royal celebrations, and careful restoration. From drab brown beginnings to Jubilee blues, its colour story reflects the evolving identity of London itself.
Next time you cross it, just remember — even London’s landmarks have had their glow-ups.
Did you know Tower Bridge was ever brown?
Share this blog with a fellow Londoner who thinks they know the city — but missed this colourful bit of history!
And don’t forget to follow @Londonyaar for more hidden stories about the city you thought you knew.