Britain's Greatest Bridges

Rob Bell examines London’s Tower Bridge, noting that it was constructed using a revolutionary design. He also highlights that during the Second World War the bridge was targeted by German V‑1 flying bombs. The programme explores these significant historical aspects.

Building Tower Bridge is a television programme presented as a single episode. The show forms part of the broader Building series and concentrates on one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. It aims to give the audience a concise look at the bridge’s origins and its place in the city’s landscape. It was produced for audiences interested in architectural history and engineering feats. In the episode, presenter Rob Bell examines the bridge’s construction, highlighting how it was built to a revolutionary design that set new standards for engineering at the time. He points out the innovative mechanisms that allow the bridge to lift, and explains why those features were considered groundbreaking when the structure was erected. He also mentions the role of the bridge’s hydraulic system in enabling the lift. The programme also notes that during the Second World War the bridge became a target for German V‑1 flying bombs. Bell describes how the structure’s strategic position over the Thames made it a valuable objective for enemy forces, and he outlines the threats it faced from those early cruise missiles. These attacks underscored the bridge’s importance in the city’s transport network. By linking the bridge’s pioneering engineering with its wartime role, the episode gives viewers a clear picture of why Tower Bridge remains a symbol of both innovation and resilience. Bell’s commentary ties together the original design ambitions with the challenges the structure endured during the conflict.