Tower Bridge is the London bridge opened in 1894 with two Victorian bascule towers that lift for river traffic.
The bridge crosses the River Thames beside the Tower of London. Its two central roadway sections, called bascules, can be raised to allow tall vessels to pass between the Pool of London and upstream docks. The Gothic-style appearance is architectural rather than medieval: the structure was built during the late Victorian period.
Tower Bridge is often confused with London Bridge, which is farther upstream and has a much plainer modern appearance. Tower Bridge remains an operating road crossing, while its high-level walkways and former machinery spaces are major visitor attractions. The bascules were originally powered hydraulically, using steam-powered pumping equipment; modern systems use electro-hydraulic machinery.