Ask an Expert

Make your visit to Tower Bridge even more memorable by joining one of these extremely limited Ask an Expert sessions. This dedicated time is when our experts who keeps Tower Bridge moving are here to answer your burning questions. 

The team you will meet includes experts who takes care of all aspects of Tower Bridge, and Bridge Drivers who deliver Bridge Lifts. They offer insight into how Tower Bridge works today and how its changed over the years.

Whether you’re a curious visitor, a budding engineer, or simply love London’s history, this is a unique chance to connect with Tower Bridge. Visitors of all ages are welcome to ask questions. These informal sessions are drop-in and included with your entry ticket.

❗Top-tip: These sessions are held in the Engine Rooms by the Victorian steam engines that once powered the Bridge, which is the last part of self-guided visit. Please book your entry ticket with appropriate arrival time and sufficient time to see the Towers and Walkways.

Curious about the history of Tower Bridge or how Bridge Lift works? Here are five most commonly asked questions that our experts get:

• How many people did it take to build Tower Bridge?
  • It took 8 years, 5 contractors and the tireless labour of 432 construction workers per day to build Tower Bridge. Discover the stories of people who built Tower Bridge.
• Are there two engines because they needed to lift both sides of the Bridge?
  • Only one is needed to open both sides of the Bridge, the other is just a spare.
• Why are the engines so colourful? Would it have been this colourful in the Victorian times?
  • Yes! The engines were designed by Sir William Armstrong. He was so proud of his design he painted them in the colours of his family crest. 
• How long does it take the Bascules to lift during a Bridge Lift? 
  • The Bascules lift at about a degree a second. Most Bridge lifts are to 45 degrees, so about 45 seconds.
• How heavy are the Bascules?
  • Each of our mighty bascules weight over 1,200 tonnes. Learn more about the Bascules and the Bascule Chambers.

💡 Have a different question? Bring it to our next Ask an Expert session!