Tower Bridge Postcard

Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. Tower Bridge is sometimes mistakenly referred to as London Bridge, which is actually the next bridge upstream.

Tower Bridge Postcard

Construction started in 1886 and took eight years with five major contractors – Sir John Jackson (foundations), Baron Armstrong (hydraulics), William Webster, Sir H.H. Bartlett, and Sir William Arrol & Co. – and employed 432 construction workers. E W Crutwell was the resident engineer for the construction. The bridge was officially opened on 30 June 1894 by the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII, and his wife, Alexandra of Denmark.

Me on the bridge

Design: Bascule bridge, suspension bridgeLongest span: 61 m (200 ft)Total length: 244 m (800 ft)Clearance below: 8.6 m (closed), 42.5 m (open)Total cost of construction: £1,184,000

SOURCE:
Tower Bridge Wikipedia Entry