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This is one of the London most beloved landmarks as
you have never seen her before. Stripped down to her underwear, the
never before seen pictures of Tower Bridge one of the world most
recognisable structures have been unveiled after the stash of
hundred-year-old prints were found in a skip.
Coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the bridge's foundation, the 50
sepia photos reveal in incredible detail the ingenuity behind one of the
capital's most popular tourist destinations, which was the first bridge
of its kind in the world.
The unique pictures, dating back to 1892, document the construction the
iconic bridge, which at the time was a landmark feat of engineering
nicknamed ‘The Wonder Bridge’.
The discarded pictures, which were retrieved by a caretaker who was
looking after a building being turned into flats in 2006, have spent the
last five years in a carrier bag underneath his bed.
The 59-year-old, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that after the
occupants of the Westminster office building moved out, the album and a
number of documents were thrown into a skip outside.
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He said: ‘I took the ledgers to the Tower Bridge Museum because I
thought they might have some historical value.
‘They included records of the materials and used in the bridge's
construction and what they cost.
‘I told the man at the museum that I had also found some photos but he
told me they already had plenty of those.
‘I didn't know what to do with them so I wrapped them in some brown
paper and put them in a bag under the bed.’ It wasn't until earlier this
month, when the owner of the photos mentioned them to his neighbour,
City of Westminster tour guide Peter Berthoud that the significance of
the find fully emerged.
Mr Berthoud, an expert in the history of London who gives guided tours
around famous landmarks including Tower Bridge, said he was gobsmacked
by the haul.
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And contrary to popular misconception, the images reveal the bridge is a
sturdy steel frame beneath the instantly recognisable stone-cladding.
Mr Berthoud said: ‘When my neighbour gave me a disk with the images on I
just couldn't believe it.
‘I spent hours going through my books to see if these pictures were
already around, but I couldn't see them anywhere - they are totally
unique.
‘Quite simply London Bridge is the world's most iconic bridge, and it's
the only bridge over the Thames which has never needed to be replaced at
some point.
‘It combines elements of a suspension bridge, a high level bridge and a
bascule which allows it to open for ships to pass.
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‘Nothing had ever been made like it before, and nothing since.
‘People are always surprised when I tell them Tower Bridge is a steel
bridge, as the stone cladding is so recognisable.’
According to the tour guide, the bridge's original architect, Horace
Jones, wanted to clad the bridge in brick, however, following his death
he was succeeded as architect by John Wolfe-Barry who decreed the bridge
should be clad in stone.
Although many of the century-old pictures are in a state of disrepair,
around 20 are in good condition.
Many of the 12 by 10 snaps are dated and clearly show how the bridge was
put together over a space of eight years. |
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Memorable scenes include turn-of-the-century labourers taking orders
from a site foreman in a bowler hat, and a shot if the bridge's original
steam-powered engine room, which could open the bridge in less than a
minute.
In one poignant picture flags decorate the body of the bridge and a
hand-written pencil note reads: ‘Note, flags denote Mr Hunter's wedding
day’.
Mr Berthoud said: ‘My favourite pictures of the simple, humble guys
building the bridge, unaware that what they are making will be so
historic.
‘People are so used to seeing images of the Empire State Building being
built, but this is part of British history being created 50 years
earlier.’
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