Tower Bridge was opened with great fanfare by the Prince and Princess of Wales on June 30, 1894. It was the largest and most sophisticated bascule (seesaw opening) bridge ever completed and quickly became a beloved landmark, as seen by the Londoners gathered here in around 1900. Interestingly, the original color of the bridge was chocolate brown. It only took on its current iconic coloring in 1977 when it was painted red, white and blue to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee.

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