Tower Bridge

The bridge that defines a skyline

Intact Insurance facts
1. Safeguarding an icon
  In 2023, we partnered with the City of London Corporation to review fire protection at one of the capital’s most treasured landmarks. With the original sprinkler system dating back to 1974 and showing signs of unreliability, the challenge was clear: design a robust solution that respects the bridge’s historic structure, while meeting modern fire protection standards.
  Our Risk Consulting team worked in close collaboration with Corporation’s engineers and specialist consultants, carrying out detailed site visits and technical assessments. Together, we are tackling the complex issue, including limited space for water storage, partial system coverage, and the demands of protecting a multi-level, high-rise heritage building.
  Thanks to our technical expertise and engineered approach, we have enabled the City of London Corporation to consider sprinkler specification design options that are bespoke and complaint. - ensuring enhanced safety for Tower Bridge’s structure, assets, and visitors for years to come.
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Interesting facts
1. Eight Years to completion (1886–1894)
  Construction began in April 1886 under Sir John Wolfe Barry as chief engineer and concluded in June 1894. The process involved 432 workers, five main contractors, and 11,000 tonnes of steel, clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone in a Gothic style to complement the Tower of London.
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2. Adaptation through time
  Tower Bridge is a working bascule bridge, originally lifted by steam hydraulics and upgraded to oil and electricity in 1976. The high-level walkways, closed in 1910 and reopened in 1982, now feature glass-floor panels 42 m above the Thames, offering thrilling bird’s-eye views of the bridge and river - and can support up to six elephants or twelve black cabs.
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3. Iconic moments
  Designed in Gothic style to complement nearby historic architecture - originally painted brown, it was redecorated in red, white, and blue for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. In 1912, pilot Francis “Frank” McClean flew a biplane between the bascules and upper walkways during an emergency - an extraordinary aerial stunt that shocked onlookers. The bridge also famously lifted during the London 2012 Olympics for the James Bond and Queen helicopter sequence - a firework-filled moment watched by 900 million people.
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Stamford Bridge

Westfield

Build date
Between 1886 and 1894 - officially opened on 30 June 1894
Style & Structure
Steel core with stone cladding in neo-Gothic design
Functionality
Opens about 800 times a year

Tower Bridge

The bridge that defines a skyline

Intact Insurance facts

Safeguarding an icon

Interesting facts

Eight Years to completion (1886–1894)

Adaptation through time

Iconic moments