Tower Bridge in London

London was still a thriving port in 1894, when the elegant Tower Bridge was built. Provides for an increase so that the ship goes, there is power now than the original steam engine. Elevator leading to the top of the north tower overpriced Tower Bridge Exhibition, where the history of the building converted to the upper walkway. The same ticket, you engine number in the southern tower. Under the bridge on the city side, a dead man hole where the corpse, which had found its way into the Thames (from suicide, murder or accident) are regularly collected.
Visit to the Tower Bridge exhibition explains clearly how the bridge works and describes its fascinating history. The following information provides the basis to make the most of your visit.
The need for a new bridge

London Bridge was originally the only crossing of the Thames. How London became so much more bridges were added, although they were all built to the west of London Bridge as the area east of London Bridge had become a bustling port. In the 19th century East End of London became so densely populated that the public must be equipped with a new bridge to the east of London Bridge, as journeys for pedestrians and vehicles has been delayed for hours. Finally, in 1876, to the London Corporation, which is responsible for the part of the Thames, the problem may be delayed longer.

View today on a high-level walkways have changed dramatically, although there are still signs of the amazing history of the area. With the help of photographs and interactive kiosks, Tower Bridge Exhibition visitors gain greater understanding of what life would be if the new bridge idea was originally conceived.
As the design was chosen

The main task of the city of London Corporation - to build a bridge downstream from London Bridge without disrupting river traffic activities. Generate ideas, "Special Bridge or Subway Committee" was established in 1876, and opened a new design for the crossing of the competition.

More than 50 designs were submitted for processing, some of which are on display at the Tower Bridge exhibition. It was not until October 1884, however, that Horace Jones, City Architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry, offered the chosen design for Tower Bridge as a solution.
Bridge Construction

It took 8 years, 5 main contractors and the relentless labor of 432 construction workers to build Tower Bridge.

Two large bridges were lowered to the river bed to support the construction of more than 11,000 tons of steel provided the basis for the towers and walkways. This frame was covered with Cornish granite and Portland stone, to protect the base steel mill and make the bridge a more pleasing appearance.

To learn more about the construction of Tower Bridge, the people involved in their design and why it was necessary to visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where a video explaining the views of all projects, including the difficulty.
How it works - then and now

When it was built, Tower Bridge, the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever completed ("bascule" comes from the French "ramp"). These bascule is powered by hydraulic, steam power the enormous pumping engines. Built in energy was stored in six large batteries, which power required to lift the bridge, it was always readily available. Fed to the battery running engines that drove the bascule up and down. Despite the complexity of the system, bascule took just a minute to increase your maximum angle of 86 degrees.

Today, hydropower is still bascule, but since 1976 they have contributed to the oil and electricity rather than steam. The original pumping engines, accumulators and boilers are now exhibits Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Tower Bridge Exhibition - History

1910, with a high-level Walkways, was closed due to lack of use. People who come to the bridge, preferring to wait at the street level, turn it off instead of going up the stairs carrying his heavy loads. In 1982, as part of the new Tower Bridge exhibition visitors the bridge again predecessors are now completely covered and experience the fantastic panoramic views. Although the Tower Bridge is now powered by fuel and electricity, the original steam engines maintain a dedicated team of technical staff remained in their original place for all to see. This area is called the Victorian engine rooms, the second part of the Tower Bridge exhibition. Over the past 28 years exhibition has been developed to keep pace with today's needs without losing its Victorian character. With interactive kiosks and video walls, combined with experienced guides, visitors can learn about the most important events in the history of Bridgeport, from the King's visit to daredevil stunts.