In this episode, Danny launches his new Unusual Histories series during which he will share details of the long and fascinating history of each of London´s bridges, starting with the iconic Tower Bridge. He is joined by Dirk Bennett, the Exhibition Development Manager for Tower Bridge and Monument who is organising events to celebrate the bridge's 130th anniversary.

Listen in to find out if a bus really did jump the gap when the bridge was opened as it crossed, what happened to Bill Clinton on the bridge, and its engineering and construction. Dirk provides an insider's view of the bridge’s history, how things work now and busts several urban myths in the process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Like so many important London landmarks, the iconic Tower Bridge was created as a result of a competition.
• The bridge was built at no cost to the taxpayer. Dirk explains how that was possible.
• The bridge is actually made up of 4 different types of bridges.
• Tower Bridge truly is an iconic landmark which is recognised across the world.
• The bridge opens 800 to 1000 times a year.
• There is a bridge lift timetable,  but provided sailors book ahead and meet certain criteria they can have the bridge opened just for them.
• Originally the bridge master lived in an apartment above the bridge
• 140,000 people turned up to the public opening.
• The exhibition that will celebrate the 130th anniversary is free and includes the use of augmented reality and innovative animation.

BEST MOMENTS
‘When you cross Tower Bridge you get 4 bridges in one.’

‘Spike Milligan wrote a song “Oh Tower Bridge”.’

‘I looked  inside the envelope, and my hair stood up.’

EPISODE RESOURCES

Exhibition details - https://www.thecityofldn.com/event/heritage-gallery-exhibition-tower-bridge/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirk-bennett-63b54a15

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2rqyGuhcuDDed97O-ZtxRA

HOST BIO
Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS
https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638
https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.