Tower bridge in English with translation. Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge is a drawbridge in the center of London over the River Thames, not far from the Tower of London. sometimes it gets confused. Essay “London Sights in English”
Tower Bridge was officially opened by the Prince of Wales (not the current one obviously) over 120 years ago. This special bridge is one that many associate with London. Anyone who sees this Bridge immediately knows that it’s in London (so it’s often the first thing shown in stock footage about London). It’s certainly a beautiful bridge. The Bridge is celebrating its birthday today – it was opened on this day in 1894 by the Prince of Wales, (the future King Edward VII) with much celebration.
So, with much fanfare, here are 10 facts and figures you probably didn’t know about the iconic Bridge.
It's Not Actually Called London Bridge
It’s a common misconception that the bridge is called London Bridge (and that there’s a song about it). This is actually called Tower Bridge, London Bridge is further down the river and is much more utilitarian.
There Were Over 50 Designs for the Bridge
When the decision was taken to build a bridge, a design contest was held to choose the best design. Over 50 designs were submitted – some close to what was built and some that were absolutely bonkers. The evaluation of the designs was surrounded by controversy, and it was not until 1884 that a design submitted by Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect (who was also one of the judges), was approved. .
You Can Watch the Bridge Live, 24 Hours a Day
There’s a live HD Webcam trained on Tower Bridge 24 hours a day. .
What's in a Name?
Tower Bridge isn’t named so because it is one of the few bridges on the Thames that features towers. In fact, it’s named after the Tower of London which is located on one side of the Bridge. The Tower of London also influenced the final design.
Raw Numbers
The bridge is 800 feet (244 m) in length with two towers each 213 feet (65 m) high, built on piers. The central span of 200 feet (61 m) between the towers is split into two equal bascules or leaves, which can be raised to an angle of 86 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The bascules, weighing over 1,000 tons each, are counterbalanced to minimize the force required and allow raising in five minutes.
Ladies of the Night
The high-level open air walkways between the towers gained an unpleasant reputation as a haunt for prostitutes and pickpockets; as they were only accessible by stairs they were rarely used by regular pedestrians, and were closed in 1910. In 1982 they were reopened as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, a display housed in the bridge's twin towers, the high-level walkways and the Victorian engine rooms.
Bridge Openings
The bridge usually opens at least once a day and if you’re a boat that requires an opening, you need to book it in advance. The bascules are raised around 1000 times a year. River traffic is now much reduced, but it still takes priority over road traffic. Today, 24 hours’ notice is required before opening the bridge. There is no charge for vessels. You can see when the Bridge will open next on its website. It’s quite an amazing sight!
Crossing the Thames
The bridge is crossed by over 40,000 people every day and it is still a busy and vital crossing of the Thames. The bridge is on the London Inner Ring Road, and is on the eastern boundary of the London congestion charge zone. (Drivers do not incur a charge by crossing the bridge.) To maintain the integrity of the structure, the City of London Corporation has imposed a 20 miles per hour (32 km/h) speed restriction, and an 18 ton weight limit on vehicles using the bridge. A camera system measures the speed of traffic crossing the bridge, utilizing a number plate recognition system to send fixed penalty charges to speeding drivers. So, if you ever get to cross, don’t speed across – enjoy it as a leisurely pace or else you’ll get a ticket (even in a rental car!).
Victorian Engineering
Despite having an architectural design that makes the bridge look old, it is in fact a very modern piece of architecture as construction of the bridge began in 1886 at the height of the Victorian era. It was made of steel and consisted of two towers built on piers. The central span was split into two equal bascules or leaves and the towers were clad in stone to give a more “traditional” appearance to match nearby Tower of London. Tower Bridge is basically a steel frame clad in stone, a design principle not that dissimilar to modern buildings.
Concrete and Steel
More than 400 workers helped to build the bridge and over 70,000 tons of concrete were sunk to the bed of the River Thames to support the bridge. 11,000 tons of steel was used to construct the framework for Towers and Walkways.
Visiting the Bridge: It costs nothing to visit, cross and admire the bridge. There is a museum on site called the Tower Bridge Exhibition that goes into the history of the bridge and they occasionally have special exhibitions. The museum has an admissions charge. .
help translate into English. Tower Bridge in London is a drawbridge that is located in the heart of the capital of Great Britain.It enjoys a stunning location overlooking the River Thames, very close to the Tower of London.
Tourists often confuse it with London Bridge, which is located upstream.
Tower Bridge was commissioned in
1894 The bridge is considered one of the main symbols of London and
Great Britain, standing on a par with the famous Big Ben.
now expect opportunity, responsibility, respect-and fun.
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History of creation and appearance
In the 19th century, England began to rapidly increase its technical power and expand international trade and political connections, so by the end of the century there was an urgent need to build a new crossing across the Thames. And in 1884, the design of the bridge by Horace Jones was approved. The design's style successfully harmonizes with the overall architectural appearance of the famous Tower of London.
Construction began in 1886, namely on June 21. The construction was completely completed after 8 years, and its opening took place in 1894, on the last day of June, with the participation of Prince Edward and his wife Alexandra.
The bridge has a total length of 244 meters, in the middle there are two towers, each 65 meters high, between them there is a span of 61 meters, which is an adjustable element. This allows ships to pass to the city piers at any time of the day or night. The powerful hydraulic system was originally water-powered and was driven by large steam engines. Today the system has been completely replaced by oil and is controlled using a computer.
Full extension of the bridge, lifting each wing at an angle of up to 83 degrees, takes less than two minutes. While city transport is forced to wait for a ship to pass, pedestrians could move along specially equipped galleries. However, quite quickly after the opening, pickpockets and girls of easy virtue began to actively trade here, so the city leadership closed the crossings in 1910.
Pedestrians were able to walk along them again only in 1982. At the same time, a paid museum of the history of the structure was equipped here, as well as a spectacular observation deck for tourists. You can get here by elevator (two elevators in each tower) or by steps. The glass galleries offer stunning views of the city.
Video: Construction of Tower Bridge
Initially, Londoners showed the same contempt for the new architectural element as Parisians did for the Eiffel Tower, considering the towers old-fashioned and ridiculous.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, namely in 1912, the British pilot Frank McClean managed to fly his biplane between the bridge towers in the space between the upper and lower tier. A similar incident occurred in 1968, when Alan Pollock, a member of the Royal Air Force, flew a fighter plane over the same location to protest government policy. Following the incident, he was immediately arrested and dismissed from service.
During the Second World War, German air forces made every effort to destroy the most important structures in the British capital. The Tower Bridge was also among the main targets, but fortunately the structure remained intact.
A very famous incident in the history of the bridge occurred in 1952, when a Tower Bridge maintenance worker forgot to warn a city bus driver about the wings of the structure being spread apart. The driver realized this when he already drove onto the bridge and saw the rising span. He made an extremely brave decision - to gain the maximum possible speed and jump to the other side. This desperate maneuver was crowned with success, thanks to which all passengers remained alive. The city council even awarded the driver a small cash prize for his courage.
An interesting story also happened in 1997, when the motorcade of then US President Bill Clinton followed the motorcade of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The latter successfully crossed the Tower Bridge, but Clinton's cars were forced to delay due to the start of the disengagement. It was not possible to urgently bridge the bridge in order to avoid diplomatic discrepancies, since river transport at the legislative level has priority over land transport. Therefore, the head of the United States had to wait until the ship completely passed under the bridge.
Few people know that the towers are not just a decoration of the bridge - they are powerful steel supports, lined with stone to protect them from corrosion and the influence of the external environment.
There are 2 elevators inside the towers - one for ascent, one for descent. Each of them is capable of picking up up to 30 people at a time.
Any vessel with a height from 9 to 42 meters can apply to open the bridge. This can be done a day before the expected passage. At the same time, the ship owner does not need to pay for this operation - such events are financed by a charitable organization in the city.
Tower Bridge is often confused with London Bridge, located upstream of the Thames. In London, there is even a very popular legend about how in 1968, American businessman Robert McCulloch bought the old London Bridge, which was destined for demolition, thinking that he was acquiring the Tower Bridge. The bridge was dismantled and transported to the United States, and the stone blocks were installed as cladding into the reinforced concrete supporting structure of the bridge, installed along a canal near Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Tower Bridge RaisingTourist Information
The bridge is located at Tower Bridge Exhibition, Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP, UK. You can get here by metro - London Bridge or Tower Hill stations, by city buses No. 15 and 42, as well as by taxi.
You can visit the galleries of Tower Bridge from April to September from 10.00-18.00 (entrance until 17.30), from October to March 9.30-17.30 (entrance until 17.00), on January 1 the museum opens at 12.00, closed on December 24-26.
Tower Bridge is one of the unique and amazing sights of England. This great crossing structure is located in the central part of London, the capital of which is Great Britain, and connects both banks of the River Thames. Nearby is the Tower - the most famous and terrible dungeon in the world. It is in honor of this dungeon that the bridge is named Tower Bridge, as it was built as a crossing from this dungeon.
One of the outstanding architects of England, John Horace, worked on the bridge construction project. He took part in a competition among most famous architects and became the winner. Horace proposed building a drawbridge over the River Thames to ease traffic at other sites. The English authorities thought for a long time and after 8 years agreed and approved the proposed project. Preparatory work began, which lasted two years. In 1886, construction began and lasted for eight long years. The bridge was officially opened in 1894. Its construction required approximately £1 million, tens of thousands of tons of metal, natural stone and granite. 350 people worked to build this outstanding structure, 10 people died during construction work.
The bridge is presented in the form of beautiful towers that perfectly convey all the charm of the Gothic style. The towers are connected by a huge platform, and rise like huge castles. The platform serves to move people from one end to the other. There are also galleries and corridors that provide people with safe movement. There is a clear schedule at what time the sides of this miracle creation are separated. Previously, they divorced as soon as a ship was seen approaching. The sentry gave a signal, and the divorcing parties dispersed. The signal sounded for people who began to leave the roadway in a hurry. After the ship sailed, the drawbridges converged again.
Now the schedule has changed, if before the bridge was opened 30 times a day, now it is 3-5 times. Tourists who want to admire this event can climb to the upper platform using the elevators installed in the towers, or use the spiral staircases leading from the road part.
Translation
The Tower Bridge is one of the unique and amazing sights of England. This great structure for the crossing is located in the central part of London, the capital is Great Britain, and units both banks of the River Thames. Nearby is the Tower - the most famous and terrible prison in the world. It is in honor of this dungeon the bridge has the name of Tower, because it was built as a ferry from this dungeon.
The project for the construction of the bridge was worked by one of the most outstanding architects of England, John Horace. He took part in the competition among the most famous architects and became the winner. Horace suggested building a drawbridge over the River Thames to relieve traffic on other sites. The authorities of England thought for a long time and after 8 years agreed and approved the proposed draft. Preparatory work began, which lasted two years. In 1886 construction began, which lasted for long eight years. The bridge was officially opened in 1894. Its construction required about 1 million pounds, tens of thousands of tons of metal, natural stone and granite. 350 people worked to erect this outstanding structure, 10 people were killed during construction work.
The bridge is presented in the form of beautiful towers, which perfectly convey all the charm of the Gothic style. The towers are connected by a huge platform, and towering like huge castles. The platform serves to move people from one end to the other. Also there are galleries and corridors that provide people with a safe movement. There is a clear timetable at what time the parties divorce this wonder-creation. Previously, they were divorced as soon as it was seen the ship. The sentry signaled, and the divorced sides parted. The signal sounded for people who were in a hurry to leave the roadway. After the ship floated, the swing flights converged again.
Now the schedule has changed, if before the bridge was bred 30 times a day, now it is 3-5 times. Tourists wishing to admire this event can climb the upper platform by the elevators that are installed in the towers, or use the spiral staircases coming from the roadway.
Tower Bridge-Bridge History
If there was ever a bridge that you can call “historic”, it’s the Tower Bridge, which is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of the historic city of London.
Plans for the Tower Bridge were devised around 1876 when the east of London became extremely crowded and a bridge across the Thames in that area of the city seemed a necessity. It would take another eight years — and lots of discussions about the design — before construction of the bridge started.
The bridge, designed by city architect Horace Jones in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry, would eventually be completed in 1894. Five contractors and nearly 450 workers were involved in the construction of the 265 meter long bridge. It took 11,000 tons of steel to build the framework. At the time many people disliked its Victorian Gothic design, but over time the bridge became one of London’s most famous symbols.
The proximity of the harbor and its location in the direction of the sea required for the bridge to allow the passage of large vessels. Hence the decision to create a moveable bridge which can be opened to accommodate boat traffic. The mechanism to open the bridge is hidden in the two towers. Until 1976, when the mechanism became electrified, steam power was used to pump water into hydraulic accumulators which powered the engines.
Each deck is more than 30 meters wide and can be opened to an angle of 83 degrees. When opened the bridge has a clearance of almost 45 meters. It used to open almost 50 times a day but nowadays it is only raised about 1,000 times a year.
Bridge lifts are pre-scheduled (for cruise ships, etc) so visitors can check the bridge’s website to find out when it will rise and lower.
Translating to Russian language
Bridge of History
The plans for Tower Bridge were drawn up around 1876, when East London became crowded and a bridge over the Thames in that area of the city seemed necessary. But another eight years passed - and many discussions about the design before the construction of the bridge began.
Designed by city architect Horace Jones in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry, the bridge would eventually be completed in 1894. Five contractors and about 450 workers were involved in the construction of the 265-meter bridge. It took 11,000 tons of steel to assemble the frame. At the time, many people disliked its Victorian Gothic design, but over time the bridge has become one of London's most famous symbols.
Mechanics
Caption under the picture: Tower Bridge is open
The proximity of the port and its location relative to the sea is necessary for the bridge to allow the passage of large ships. Hence the decision to create a movable bridge that could be opened for the passage of yachts and ships. The mechanism for opening the bridge is hidden in two towers. Until 1976, when the mechanism became electric, steam power was used to supply water to the hydraulic accumulators that powered the motors.
Caption under the picture: Tower Bridge at night
Each leaf of the bridge is more than 30 meters wide and can be opened at an angle of up to 83 degrees. When the bridge opened, the doors rose 45 meters. The bridge opened almost 50 times a day, but now it is only about 1000 times a year.
The bridge goes up on a schedule (for cruise ships, etc.), so land users can check the bridge website to see when it will go up and down.