Tower Bridge

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Tower Bridge

Above: Tower Bridge is a combined bascule (a moveable bridge with a counterweight that continuously balances a span, or "leaf", throughout its upward swing to provide clearance for boat traffic) and suspension bridge, forming the access road supports,built between 1886 and 1894. Once entirely steam powered it is now operated electrically. Thankfully one set of boilers and the pumping mechanism has been preserved, on the South side of the Tower and viewing is part of the Tower Bridge Experience. Over 80 people were once employed to operate and maintain the bridge, that number having been drastically reduced over the years, especially with the changeover to electricity as a means of propulsion for the bascules. One of Londons iconic landmarks and a magnet for thousands of visitors.

Pictures show Pam on the south side suspension part of the bridge. Then the two of us, me first sitting on the glass walkway high above the river Thames and then Pam doing likewise, but wisely standing, with way below, both river and roadway.

For more information click on the Tower Bridge