Tower Bridge: More Than Just a Pretty Face (And It Has a Very Pretty Face)
Ah, Tower Bridge. The crown jewel of London's bridges (sorry, not sorry, London Bridge), the backdrop to a million selfies, and the star of countless rom-coms. But beneath that iconic Gothic facade lies a surprising amount of engineering complexity. So, what exactly is this majestic metal marvel? Buckle up, because Tower Bridge is about to break down its bridge-y business for you.
It's a Bascule Bridge, Darling!
The most famous feature of Tower Bridge is, of course, its raising arms. They rise majestically to let tall ships sail through, making it a true drawbridge for the 21st century (minus the moat and angry peasants). This specific raising mechanism is called a bascule bridge, which basically means "see-saw bridge" in fancy French.
Fun Fact: The bascules are counterbalanced by these giant weights hidden inside the towers. They're so heavy, legend has it they're filled with enough treasure to make Captain Jack Sparrow sing sea shanties for a week straight. (Not true, but wouldn't that be a twist?)
But Wait, There's More! (Because Victorian Engineers Were Fancy)
While the bascule bit is what makes the tourists ooh and ahh, Tower Bridge is actually a bit of a triple threat. Those side spans between the towers? Those are suspension bridges, employing the same technology as your playground swing to gracefully hold the weight of cars and pedestrians.
And until the 1960s, the walkways on top were actually cantilever bridges, meaning they jutted out from the towers without any support underneath. Talk about an engineering marvel with a side of vertigo!
So, Technically, It's a...
Here's the thing: Tower Bridge is a bit of a jack-of-all-bridges. It's primarily a bascule bridge, for sure, but it incorporates elements of suspension and cantilever design too. It's a testament to Victorian ingenuity and a party trick for any bridge enthusiast.
Pro Tip: If you're ever at a pub quiz and someone asks this question, feel free to unleash your newfound knowledge and impress your fellow trivia nerds. You're welcome.
How To Get the Most Out of Tower Bridge: A Mini FAQ
How to See the Bridge Open?
Tower Bridge only opens for very tall ships these days, but you can check the schedule https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/your-visit/visitor-information.
How to Walk Across the Top?
The walkways are open to pedestrians (and their sense of adventure) most of the time. There's even a glass floor section if you're feeling particularly brave (or like tempting fate).
How to Avoid Crowds?
Tower Bridge is a popular tourist spot, so expect queues. Try going early in the morning or later in the evening for a slightly less crowded experience.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit?
There is a fee to walk across the walkways, but it's worth it for the panoramic views and bragging rights.
How to Take the Perfect Tower Bridge Photo?
Get creative! Experiment with angles, play with reflections in the Thames, or pretend you're a giant raising the bridge with your bare hands. Just be mindful of other tourists and have fun!
