Why was Tower Bridge built?
With London's population expanding quickly, and journeys from East London taking hours with limited river crossings, the City of London Corporation was faced with a significant challenge: how to build a bridge downstream from London Bridge without disrupting river traffic activities.
Why was Tower Bridge needed?
Tower Bridge has stood as the gateway to London, and witness to its history, since 1894. But what was the capital like in the years before the Bridge was built, and why was a new bridge across the Thames needed in Victorian London?
The design competition
To generate ideas, the Special Bridge or Subway Committee was formed in 1876, and a public competition was launched to find a design for the new crossing.
Over 50 designs were submitted to the Committee for consideration, some of which are on display at Tower Bridge.
It wasn't until October 1884 however, that Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with Sir John Wolfe Barry, offered the chosen design for Tower Bridge as a solution. Sir Horace Jones also sat on the Committee in his role as City Architect, but we're sure they picked the right design for the job regardless.
Learning activities for educators
All about cargo
The trading of goods from all around the world played a big role in the development of the Thames in this part of London.
Use our worksheet to learn more about the cargo that filled the ships and wharves of Victorian London, discover where it came from, and plot its route to the Thames.
Either print out the downloadable worksheet below, or simply grab a sheet of paper and a pencil, and follow the activities from the screen. Can you guide the precious cargo safely around the world?
Design a bridge
Could you be the next Horace Jones or John Wolfe Barry?
Put your architecture and engineering skills to the test with this creative activity, which challenges you to design a new bridge for your local area.
Either print the worksheet downloadable below, or simply grab a blank sheet of paper and a pencil, and follow the activity from the screen.
