When Tower Bridge was first built, London was an extremely busy trading port. However, as trading ships became larger, fewer and fewer vessels made the journey to the Upper Pool of London, which goes from London Bridge to the Cherry Garden Pier, in Bermondsey. A much larger port was then built further down the River Thames, and closer to the sea.
By the late s, Tower Bridge only opened a few hundred times a year down from over 6, in the first year , and steam was no longer an efficient way to open it.
So, in , it was decided that something needed to be done to make the Bridge more efficient and economical to lift, reducing its emissions and bringing it into line with new rules around clean air in London. The installation of a new electro-hydraulic system began in Electric pumps were used to create oil-hydraulic energy to turn the cogs and open the bascules.
These new engines were installed while the steam system was still in operation, so the Bridge could still open for passing river vessels. In , the work was completed, Tower Bridge became fully electro-hydraulic powered. It has remained the same ever since, and the old system was disconnected.
Interested in seeing the machinery described above? They are all on display in the original Engine Rooms and can be seen as part of your visit to Tower Bridge today. Please note there are currently pavement closures on Tower Bridge until 12 November, please allow extra time to follow diversions and reach the entrance.
More info. English French Spanish German Italian. How does Tower Bridge work? Some of the old steam machines are left as a tourist attraction and is a part of the museum tour of a Tower Bridge.
Tower Bridge is still in function and is still a major crossing of the Thames. Daily, some 40, people cross it in both directions. While it was controlled manually from the beginning, in , a computer controls system was installed so bascules could be raised and lowered remotely.
Bascules are raised around 3 times a day and a 24 hours' notice is needed from a ship that needs pass. After they were closed in , walkways were reopened in as a part of a Tower Bridge Exhibition. In , Bridge Tower entered renovations that lasted four years.
Join Education Officer, Sophie Jordan, as she presents a series of short, engaging films, exploring how Tower Bridge originally worked. Each film contains thought-provoking questions, encouraging the use of creative and problem-solving skills, and spotting connections to everyday life.
An activity sheet looking at the role cogs play in raising the Bridge supports the films. These resources can be used standalone, or alongside one of our free, virtual workshops, such as Raise Tower Bridge from Scratch!
Contact the Learning team at learning towerbridge. Find out where the steam generated in the boilers went, and learn how Tower Bridge used to work a little like a steam train! The final stage of the process: the cog. Discover how this simple device raises Tower Bridge's huge bascules. Get your mental gears grinding with our fun worksheet which explores the vital role cogs play in raising Tower Bridge! Download worksheet.
So you know how Tower Bridge works, but do you know why and how it was built? Continue your learning with our exciting films and activities exploring the reasons and the people behind the Bridge.
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