Genius in Stone: Tower Bridge
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# Tower Bridge, a Genius in Stone Above the Thames In London, Tower Bridge does more than connect two banks: it creates a complete silhouette. Its two neo-Gothic towers, metal structure and movable deck form one of the British capital’s most recognisable images. In the immediate vicinity of the Tower of London, this bridge crosses the Thames between the boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets. Built in 1894 by Sir John Wolfe-Barry and Horace Jones, Tower Bridge was, upon its completion, the largest bridge in the world, measuring 246 metres in length and 65 metres in height. It was also regarded as the most sophisticated bascule bridge ever built. That ambition can still be seen in every detail: a granite façade, a steel structure, concrete foundations, two monumental towers and, high above, two parallel pedestrian walkways. ## Why make the detour Tower Bridge is a structure that brings together several feats in a single architectural gesture. It belongs to the class of suspension bridges, but its most spectacular feature is its opening deck. The two movable sections can part to allow the tallest vessels to pass along the Thames. The bridge stands in the Pool of London, on the boundary between the Upper Pool upstream and the Lower Pool downstream. It therefore plays a practical role in London’s river traffic, beyond its status as a monument. Its neo-Gothic architecture gives industrial metal the appearance of a Victorian fortress. From afar, the towers project an almost theatrical presence; up close, they reveal the meeting of stone ornament and mechanical efficiency. It is a bridge designed to function, but also to leave a lasting mark on the landscape. ## The best time Tower Bridge is best viewed from the banks of the Thames, where its towers, deck and relationship with the river can all be appreciated at once. Soft light can bring out the granite volumes and metal framework, while dusk heightens the contrast between the dark structure and the surrounding city lights. The site also lends itself to unhurried observation: cross from one bank to the other, watch boats travel through the Pool of London, and place the bridge within the monumental ensemble it forms with the nearby Tower of London. ## Preparing your visit Tower Bridge notably carries motorised vehicles across the Thames. It remains, above all, a working piece of infrastructure, with a deck designed to open for certain vessels. The bridge’s former machinery has been open to the public since 1982 as a museum devoted to the hydraulic mechanism that operates the bascule bridge. For visiting conditions, opening days or possible traffic changes, it is best to consult the site’s official information before travelling. ## Access and landmarks Tower Bridge lies east of central London, between Southwark on the south bank of the Thames and Tower Hamlets on the north bank. The main landmark is the Tower of London, from which the bridge takes its name. From the riverbanks, Tower Bridge is immediately recognisable by its two large towers linked by elevated walkways. It should not be confused with London Bridge, located further upstream on the Thames: Tower Bridge is the one whose deck opens and whose neo-Gothic silhouette dominates the river.
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Where: Grand Londres — Royaume-Uni