Origin of Tower Bridge's Name

Named for Its Neighbor

Tower Bridge takes its name from the Tower of London, the historic fortress and royal palace that stands immediately to its west, on the north bank of the River Thames.

Context

• Bridge built 1886–1894; Tower dates to 1078 (White Tower).
• Proximity: ~100 m separates bridge abutment from Tower moat.
• Visual pairing: The bridge's Gothic towers echo the Tower's turrets—intentional architectural harmony.

Not to Be Confused With

London Bridge (upstream, plain concrete) is often mistaken for Tower Bridge. The nursery rhyme "London Bridge is falling down" refers to earlier medieval structures—not this one.

Name = location + neighbor. Simple, enduring.