Editing Tower Bridge (section)

=== Inception ===
[[File:Tower bridge schm020.png|thumb|right|Elevation, with dimensions]]
By the late 19th century, the population and commercial development in the [[East End of London]] was increasing, leading to demand for a new river crossing downstream of [[London Bridge]]. A traditional fixed bridge at street level could not be built because it would cut off access by [[sailing ships]] to the port facilities in the [[Pool of London]] between London Bridge and the [[Tower of London]].{{sfn|Bracken|2011|p=56}}

A ''Special Bridge or Subway Committee'' chaired by Sir Albert Joseph Altman was formed in December 1875 to find a solution.{{sfn|Welch|Barry|Benham|1894|p=159}} On 7 December 1876, the Committee presented a report recommending a bridge or subway to the east of London Bridge should be constructed, funds permitting.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Welch |first=Charles |title=History of The Tower Bridge |publisher=Smith, Elder and Co. |year=1894 |location=London |pages=152–200 }}</ref>

More than fifty designs were submitted, including one from civil engineer Sir [[Joseph Bazalgette]], which was rejected because of a lack of sufficient headroom. None of the designs gained support and it was not until 24 July 1884 that the Bridge House Estates Committee brought forward a report that proposed "a low level bridge, with mechanical opening or openings" be built.<ref name=":5" /> Following a deputation from the Committee visiting Belgium, Holland, and Newcastle Bridge, a proposal was presented on 28 October 1884 to the Court of Common Council for a mechanical bridge built according to one of three models: Design A, a [[swing bridge]]; Design B, a variation of that swing bridge; and Design C a [[bascule bridge]].{{sfn|Bracken|2011|p=56}}{{sfn|Welch|Barry|Benham|1894|pp=158,160}} Design C was recommended and a bill was prepared to present to Parliament.<ref name=":5" />