Tower Bridge was opened in 1894. It was designed by Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry. It is a bascule bridge with two leaves which lift to enable river traffic to pass underneath, to and from the Pool of London which was still a major import and export area at that time. The towers are connected to the embankments, north and south of the river, by suspension bridges. It took 8 years to build. The towers and the walkways have steel frames.
Jones dies in 1887, as constructiojn was commencing, and was replaced by George W Stevenson. He replaced the original proposal for brick cladding with the ornate Victorian Gothic granite cladding which we see today.
Tower Bridge and Hermitage Community Moorings
A murky winter morning showing Tower Bridge and the north side of the Thames. (Jan21)
Tower Bridge from Duchess Street
A narrow view of Tower Bridge from the recent developments around Potters Field, (Nov25)
Tower Bridge and clouds
Interesting clouds put the familiar Tower Bridge in a different light. (Oct18)
Tower Bridge & City Hall.
Clear February light enlivens this view of Tower Bridge & City Hall from the Scoop in More London development on the south side of the Thames. (Feb19)
Tower Bridge at sunset
Tower Bridge in late winter sunlight when the adjacent City Hall is already in shadow. (Jan13)
Under Tower Bridge
A misty view under Tower Bridge towards Butlers Wharf Pier at low tide. (Mar18)
Tower of London below Tower Bridge Approach
Part of the Tower of London is visible on the other side of the Thames, under the southern approach to Tower Bridge. (July16)
Tower Bridge at night
The floodlighting of Tower Bridge at night brings out the gothic fantasy even more than daylight. (Dec14)
Tower Bridge and boats at Tower Bridge Moorings
Tugs and barges moored in dramatic light on the south side of the Thames with Tower Bridge also in the light but City towers on the north side under dark clouds. (Nov15)
Looking up from Tower Bridge
Crisp granite detailing forms the elevations of the towers, and eliptical beams form the archways for vehicles. (Dec24)
Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast at low tide
The sun is breaking through, under the clouds, onto Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast, with a reflection on the high-level walkway. (Nov25)
Tower Bridge opens to let through a Thames sailing barge.
All traffic and pedestrians have to stop when a tall ship needs to pass through. (Aug14)
Tower Bridge in mist
Tower Bridge emerging out of the morning mist. (Dec13)
Pool of London
The Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge is called the Pool of London from when it was a centre of trading activity. Now it is dominated by HMS Belfast and London Bridge City Pier. (May21)
Waiting for the Marathon
Crowds wait on Tower Bridge for the 2018 London Marathon runners to come through. (Ap18)
Tower Bridge with Olympic Rings
Tower Bridge with Olympic Rings in 2012, photographed from a Thames Clipper ferry. (July12)