Tower Bridge, a towering symbol of London, has stood for over a century, witnessing not only the ebb and flow of the Thames but also a series of daring stunts that have captivated the world. From early aviators braving the gap between the bridge’s imposing towers to a modern-day daredevil jumping over the rising bascules, Tower Bridge has become a stage for audacious feats of courage and skill.
Taking Flight Through the Bridge
In 1910, just nine years after the Wright Brothers’ historic flight, aviator Frank McClean took to the skies above London, aiming for a daring maneuver. He piloted his Short-Farman hydroplane through the open space between the road and the upper walkways of Tower Bridge. It was a feat that seemed impossible at the time, yet McClean successfully navigated his aircraft, defying gravity and captivating onlookers.
McClean’s audacity didn’t stop there. He continued his journey upstream, gracefully dipping under every bridge along the River Thames, up to Westminster. He later remarked that flying under the arches of the bridges wasn’t as risky as it appeared, the massive structures seemingly dwarfing his small aircraft. However, McClean’s confidence was tested on his return journey. A strong sidewind caught his aircraft as he attempted to fly under Tower Bridge once again, forcing him to make a watery landing. Fortunately, McClean emerged unharmed, his seaplane towed to shore for repairs. His daring flight, though, had cemented Tower Bridge as a location for audacious feats.
A Parachute Jump of Firsts
The First World War brought with it a wave of technological advancements, one of which was the Guardian Angel Parachute, a groundbreaking invention that would forever alter the landscape of airborne warfare. This early parachute, unlike its modern counterparts, didn’t rely on a ripcord. Instead, it was designed to open due to the weight of the falling jumper.
To demonstrate the parachute’s effectiveness, a daring display was staged on Tower Bridge on November 11, 1917. Major Thomas Orde-Lees stood on the road level of the bridge, a mere 150 feet above the River Thames, and took the leap of faith. He plummeted headfirst, the parachute opening just before he made contact with the water, creating a splash that reverberated through the air. This was the lowest parachute jump ever recorded, by several hundred feet.
This audacious display was intended to showcase the parachute’s effectiveness at low altitudes to the Royal Air Force. The demonstration was a resounding success, and it is believed to have inspired the creation of the Parachute Regiment within the British Army. Tower Bridge, once again, had served as a stage for a pioneering moment in aviation history.
A Dare That Cost £100
In 1951, a chemist named Frank Miller made headlines for his daring, albeit misguided, attempt to fly his aircraft through Tower Bridge. This wasn’t the first time this feat had been accomplished, but Miller’s explanation for his actions was particularly peculiar. He blamed his 13-year-old son, claiming the boy had dared him to do it for a paltry sum of 35 shillings. Sadly for Miller, his son’s dare came at a hefty price, as he was fined £100 in court for his transgression. While his stunt may have been fueled by youthful bravado, it solidified Tower Bridge’s reputation as a magnet for daring individuals.
A Pilot’s Protest Flight
In 1968, the iconic Tower Bridge once again became the backdrop for a daring act, this time fuelled by a pilot’s frustration. Flight Lieutenant Alan Pollock, an RAF pilot, was angered by the decisions of his superiors and decided to make a bold statement. He flew his Hawker Hunter jet low over London, aiming to draw attention to his grievances.
Pollock, expressing his discontent with the government’s budget cuts to the Air Force and the lackluster plans for the RAF’s 50th anniversary, took his protest to the skies. He decided to fly his plane through the open space between the towers of Tower Bridge, a move that would forever etch his name in the history of the iconic landmark. The jet’s powerful engines roared as it surged through the gap, a testament to the pilot’s courage and determination. This daring act marked the first and last time a jet plane flew under the bridge’s walkways, a testament to Pollock’s audacious act of defiance.
A Motorbike Leap Over Time
In the early hours of July 13, 2013, Tower Bridge witnessed a stunt that defied gravity and shattered records. Robbie Maddison, a daring Australian motorbike stunt performer, aimed to become the first person to jump the bascules of Tower Bridge. The bridge was partially lifted, creating a massive gap above the River Thames. Maddison, using the bascules as a take-off and landing ramp, launched his motorcycle into the air, soaring over the water. He approached the middle of the bridge at a speed of around 40 mph, executed a backflip, and landed safely in front of the South Tower, his feat captured by the world’s media.
Maddison’s stunt, a combination of skill, courage, and sheer audacity, showcased the enduring appeal of Tower Bridge as a stage for daring feats. This iconic landmark, with its imposing stature and historical significance, continues to attract those who seek to push the boundaries of human achievement, forever solidifying its position as a symbol of daring and innovation.
