Last summer we started our #BayouTravel bucket list which got us thinking? We can continue to add to our bucket list, but why not learn more some iconic and well-known attractions scattered around the world. Find additional European attractions and iconic European landmarks on our site.
In 2016 we plan to add several attractions from Turkey, Croatia Bulgaria and more and ask readers “Did you know?”. Starting our 2016 “Did You Know?” series we are featuring tidbits of information featuring Tower Bridge located in London UK.
Tower Bridge, originally built in 1887, crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and took 8 years to complete. The iconic symbol of London officially opened June of 1894 by The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII.
The structure which connects the Iron Gate with Horselydown Lane and is now known as Tower Bridge Approach and Tower Bridge Road. Over 11,000 tons of steel provided the framework for the towers and walkways using Cornish granite and Portland stone. The materials used were to protect the underlying steelwork while giving the bridge an attractive appearance.
Tower Bridge is one of five London bridges owned and maintained by the Bridge House Estates. Bridge House Estates is a charitable trust overseen by the City of London Corporation. The bridge deck is accessible by vehicles and pedestrians while the bridge’s twin towers requires an admission charge.
Very common to Olympic host cities, it was announced in 2008 that the bridge would undergo a £4 million facelift which took four years to complete. The bridge was featured in the 2012 Summer Olympics being held in London. A set of Olympic rings were suspended from the bridge as a monthly marker until the start of the games. The rings used cost an astounding £259,817 ($368,221 American Dollars to create!
Have you visited Tower Bridge? Now that you learned a more about the iconic structure, would you include it into your bucket list?
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