Is London Bridge the Same as Tower Bridge?

By Anna Duncan

If you are planning to visit London, you might be wondering if London Bridge is the same as Tower Bridge. While both bridges are iconic landmarks in the city, they are not the same.

London Bridge

London Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the River Thames. It has a long history dating back to Roman times and has been rebuilt several times over the years. The current London Bridge was opened in 1973 and replaced the previous bridge which had stood for over 130 years.

London Bridge is a simple and functional design, with four traffic lanes and pedestrian walkways on both sides. It is an important transport link between north and south London, connecting the City of London with Southwark.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is another iconic bridge that crosses the River Thames. It is located close to the Tower of London and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in London.

Tower Bridge was opened in 1894 and was designed to allow large ships to pass underneath. Unlike London Bridge, Tower Bridge has two towers connected by two walkways, which are used as a tourist attraction today. The bridge opens up to let large ships pass through, which still happens on occasion.

Differences between London Bridge and Tower Bridge

  • Design: While both bridges serve as transport links across the River Thames, their designs are quite different. London Bridge has a simple design while Tower Bridge has a more elaborate design with two towers connected by walkways.
  • Location: While both bridges are located close to each other on the River Thames, they serve different areas of London.

    London Bridge connects Southwark with the City of London while Tower Bridge connects Tower Hamlets with Southwark.

  • History: London Bridge has a much longer history than Tower Bridge, dating back to Roman times. The current London Bridge was opened in 1973, while Tower Bridge was opened in 1894.

Conclusion

While both bridges are iconic landmarks in London, they are not the same. London Bridge is a historic bridge that serves as an important transport link between north and south London, while Tower Bridge is a more elaborate design that was built to allow large ships to pass through. If you’re planning to visit London, make sure you visit both bridges to appreciate their unique designs and histories.