Exhibition: The Historic Bridge House Estates

Step inside Tower Bridge and discover the history of Bridge House Estates, the organisation that oversaw the entire construction of Tower Bridge over a century ago and continues to maintain it to this day.

This temporary exhibition explores the history and role of this fascinating organisation; from its foundation by Royal Charter in 1282 right up to the crucial role the institution plays in maintaining, repairing and financing London’s five vital river crossings today. As well as Tower Bridge, it looks after London Bridge, for which the Bridge House Estates was originally founded, as well as Blackfriars Bridge, Southwark Bridge and, more recently, Millennium Bridge.

While Bridge House Estates maintains its original function as part of the City of London, it is now one of London’s largest independent charities and operates a charitable arm called City Bridge Trust. This philanthropic division supports a wide range of charitable causes, environmental initiatives and social investment inside Greater London and any profit generated by Tower Bridge, such as Exhibition tickets, is invested back into the capital.

Visit now and gain insight into the organisation’s activities beyond the bridges including its people and its distinctive insignia, the Bridge Mark. Discover where the Bridge Mark can be found across the world through interactive displays and a take-away map.

On display in the temporary exhibition space of the atmospheric Engine Rooms, from where the mighty bridge lifts were once powered, this exhibition offers you the perfect chance to explore a slice of London’s history at the heart of one of the world’s most famous river crossings.

Entry to this exhibition is included in the admission price.