Discover 10 Fascinating Facts About Tower Bridge! 🌉

Join us on a quick journey across London's iconic Tower Bridge. From its Victorian engineering marvels to secret bascule chambers, learn the intriguing history and unique features of this famous landmark in under a minute! 🕰️✨

Here are 10 fascinating facts about Tower Bridge:

Opening Date: Tower Bridge was officially opened on June 30, 1894, by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.

Victorian Engineering: The bridge is a marvel of Victorian engineering, combining bascule and suspension bridge elements.

Bascule Mechanism: The bridge's bascules (drawbridges) can be raised to allow ships to pass. Originally, this was done using steam-powered hydraulic systems.

Modern Upgrades: In 1976, the original steam-powered system was replaced with an electro-hydraulic drive system.

Walkways with a View: The high-level walkways between the two towers provide stunning views of London and were originally open to pedestrians even when the bridge was lifted.

Secret Chambers: Tower Bridge has hidden bascule chambers, which were used for counterweights and are now occasionally open for public tours.

Popular Filming Location: The bridge has been featured in numerous films, including "Sherlock Holmes," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," and "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Daily Lifts: On average, the bascules are lifted around 800 times a year, making it one of the most active opening bridges in the world.

Bridge Colors: The bridge was originally painted a chocolate brown color. It was painted red, white, and blue in 1977 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee.

Glass Floor: In 2014, a glass floor was installed in the walkways, allowing visitors to see the traffic and river below.

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