Listen to the history
Interested in discovering more about Tower Bridge?
Our guides and historians are creating a series of short podcasts, exploring the stories of the people, engineering and architecture behind London's defining landmark.
Voices of Tower Bridge
Bill Skinner
Education Officer David Laird talks to Audrey Hudson, daughter of Bill Skinner, who worked at Tower Bridge for 32 years.
Skinner joined as an Apprentice Electrician after leaving the Merchant Navy, later becoming a Duty Officer.
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Peter Thurkle
In this episode of 'The Voices of Tower Bridge', Education Officer David Laird speaks with Peter Thurkle.
Peter joined Tower Bridge in 1979 doing all types of jobs, from Bridge Lifts to security work, and retired in 2015.
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Ted Forrest
In this episode exploring the oral history of Tower Bridge, David Laird speaks to Phillip Forrest, the son of Edward ‘Ted’ Forrest.
Ted worked at Tower Bridge for over 40 years as a bricklayer and foreman.
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Charlotte Olive Dora Burch
In this episode exploring the oral history of Tower Bridge, David Laird speaks with Liz Hunter, the granddaughter of Charlotte Olive Dora Burch, who worked at Tower Bridge from 1895.
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Friend Samuel Penny
Education Officer David Laird speaks with Carol Douglas, the great-granddaughter of Friend Samuel Penny, who worked as a diver on the construction of Tower Bridge's foundations from 1886.
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History of Tower Bridge
Episode 1
David Laird, Education Officer at Tower Bridge, talks you through the origins and initial designs of Tower Bridge.
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Episode 2
Discover the man behind the design of Tower Bridge and the various stages of the iconic Bridge's construction.
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Episode 3
In our third instalment, discover how Tower Bridge is lifted, and some of the people who have worked here in the last 125 years.
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Episode 4
In our final of four podcasts exploring the history of Tower Bridge, David Laird, Education Officer at Tower Bridge, explores some of the amazing stories associated with Tower Bridge.
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Explore more history
Who built Tower Bridge and who designed it? Discover the people behind London's defining landmark.
Discover the historical events behind the construction, build and working life of Tower Bridge.
