KOSHASRINI: ENGLAND:SCOTLAND (18)

19-12-2023 .. Monday .. LONDON

( Picture Courtesy: GOOGLE EARTH )

TOWER BRIDGE . The iconic symbol of London

Located above and across the River Thames, it is the most iconic landmark and an architectural marvel. A combination of bascule and suspension bridge, built in 1886, which is 800 feet in length and consists of two 213-foot towers connected at the upper level by two horizontal walkways, and a central pair of bascules that can open to allow shipping. The central span of 200 feet between the towers is split into two equal bascules, weighing over 1000 tons each, which raises to an angle of 86 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. Originally operated by hydraulically powered mechanism and in 1972 converted to an electro-hydraulic system.

It remains an important traffic route with 40,000 crossings every day. The bridge deck is freely accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians, whereas the bridge's twin towers, high-level walkways, and engine rooms form part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

( an illustration on Tower Bridge . Courtesy: a website )

Stood in the queue of Ticket Holder to climb the North Tower. Only selected categories, like Seniors and infant-holders & pregnant ladies, are allowed to use the Lift and the rest to climb thru staircase. Being Seniors, me & my wife, got into Lift whereas my son & dinla used staircase. I felt, it could be a six-storey height.

Then the marvellous high-level Walkways. Standing 138 feet above the Thames River and stretching 202 feet in between the North and South Towers, they house the information - interesting and informative displays - for the visitors to read all about the history and building of Tower Bridge. What a breath-taking stunning panoramic views of London. Enjoyed the iconic panoramic views of London as well experienced the city's skyline from a unique perspective above the River Thames. The Walkways have small camera windows to help us to capture the perfect shot.

Two Glass Floors are on the Walkways. Watched the hustle and bustle of the city right beneath my feet, from red double-decker buses and black taxis to the river boats and cruise ship. What a thrill of seeing London life through the Glass Floors. A mirrored ceiling is there to help us get the best selfie.

Facts on the Display .. measure 37 feet long and 6 feet wide; situated 138 feet above the River Thames and 110 feet above the road level; each one comprises six of panels weighing 530 kilograms each and each panel is 70mm thick; built to hold even up to six elephants.

Our Selfies on Glass Floors

Then four of us descended to the road level by Lift in the Southern Tower. We have been directed to follow the Blue Line painted on the pavement from the exit of the South Tower to the Engine Rooms. We were informed that the workers of Tower Bridge immortalised in the Blue Line Set in a series of 80 bronze plaques that shines light on some of the unsung heroes who kept the landmark bridging London.

Entered the historic magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms that once powered the mighty Bridge Lifts for over 80 years. Displayed are the stories of some of the 432 workers who kept Tower Bridge in motion from day one. Marvelled at the original Victorian steam engines, coal-fired boilers, drivetrains and accumulators and understood how they work through a series of interactive displays and information panels. Saw a film that shine a light on the dedicated ordinary workers - from cooks to coal stokers, signal men to engineers - who kept an icon in motion.