The world saw Tower Bridge this year during Britain's remarkable summer of Diamond Jubilee festivities, the Olympics and Paralympic Games. It was built in 1894, all Victorian Gothic with Cornish granite and Portland stone, close to the Tower of London from which it gets its name.
Standing 42 metres (yards) above the legendary River Thames, its walkways are vantage points for many London landmarks. Plus, it's the only bridge on the Thames that can be raised to let boats pass. The bascules are raised approximately 1,000 times per year.