Tower Bridge vs London Bridge
Tower Bridge’s iconic towers and rising bascules make it one of the world’s most recognisable bridges — yet it’s often mistaken for London Bridge. We’re here to clear up the confusion!
A brief history
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge stands as it was built in 1894. It may look a lot older than its 130 years but that was all part of Sir Horace Jones and Sir John Wolfe Barry’s plan.
Its Neo-Gothic design was chosen to blend with the Tower of London, a request by Queen Victoria. Learn more about the architectural style of Tower Bridge.
Who knew this landmark would actually become the symbol of London it is today?
London Bridge
London Bridge is the oldest river crossing in London, bringing river and road traffic together. The bridge as we know it today, was opened to traffic by The Late Queen Elizabeth II on 16 March 1973.
Now made of concrete and steel, it replaced a 19th century stone arched bridge designed by Scottish civil engineer John Rennie, which in turn succeeded a 600-year-old stone-built structure.
This 600-year-old stone-built bridge was preceded by a number of timber bridges, the first of which was constructed by the Romans.
Did you know
London Bridge was the sole crossing of the Thames until the construction of Putney Bridge in 1729.
Locations of the bridges
Tower Bridge and London Bridge are located next to each other in the Pool of London, on the River Thames.
Tower Bridge spans between the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark, near the Tower of London and the Old City Hall.
London Bridge, meanwhile, is slightly upriver, spanning the Thames from the City of London to Southwark.
London Bridge station is served by the Jubilee and Northern lines of the London Underground, and National Rail trains. Several bus routes will take you to Tower Bridge, including the famous 78 which was once involved in the bus jump incident.
How far apart are the two bridges
Tower Bridge and London Bridge are just over half a mile (approx. 1km) of each other.
You can walk from Tower Bridge to London Bridge in less than 15 minutes.
It's a pleasant walk, particularly if you take The Queen's Walk route, with breathtaking views of the Thames, HMS Belfast (pictured), The Shard, and, of course, of Tower Bridge itself.
London Bridge for sale
In 1967, the City of London was looking for someone to buy a dismantled London Bridge.
American entrepreneur Robert Paxton McCulloch placed the winning bid of £1.02 million ($2.4 million at the time) on 18 April 1968. Each of the Bridge’s 10,276 exterior granite blocks were numbered and then shipped to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
The construction started on 23 September 1968 when the foundation stone was laid by the Sir Gilbert Inglefield, then the Lord Mayor of London. The work was completed three years later and Lake Havasu City’s London Bridge opened on 10 October 1971 with a parade of marching bands, fireworks, hot air balloons and skydivers.
Contrary to the popular rumour, McCulloch was not under the impression that he was purchasing Tower Bridge. The urban legend has been vehemently denied by him and by Ivan Luckin, of the City’s Common Council, who arranged the sale.
Book tickets now
Come inside Tower Bridge and discover more about the fascinating history of Tower Bridge, its people and their stories.
City Bridge Foundation
City Bridge Foundation owns and manages five of London's bridges - Tower, London, Southwark, Millennium and Blackfriars - at no cost to the taxpayer.
City Bridge Foundation is London's largest independent charity funder. So by visiting Tower Bridge, visitors will help to support worthy causes across London. City Bridge Foundation was historically known as Bridge House Estates. Learn more about it's 900-year old history below.
