Rare Tower Bridge Medal Unearthed at Welsh WeBuyVintage Roadshow

One of just 450 bronze medals struck for guests at Tower Bridge’s historic 1894 royal opening discovered in Monmouthshire

LONDON, UK. SEPTEMBER 30, 2026. A rare bronze medal commemorating the opening of London’s iconic Tower Bridge has emerged at a WeBuyVintage roadshow in Gilwern, Monmouthshire, more than 130 years after it was presented to invited guests at the landmark ceremony. The 1894 medal was brought into the roadshow by a member of the public and immediately caught the attention of WeBuyVintage specialist Tamara Harvey, who identified it as an unusually scarce piece of Victorian history.

Designed by artist Frank Bowcher (1864–1938) and issued by the Corporation of the City of London, the substantial 76–77mm bronze medal features Queen Victoria alongside Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII and Princess Alexandra. On the reverse is a dramatic depiction of the newly completed Tower Bridge, with its bascules raised as a steamship passes beneath. The inscription records the historic date: “Tower Bridge opened 30th June 1894.”

The medal features HRHs The Prince and Princess of Wales and Queen Victoria on one side

Only 450 examples of the bronze medal are believed to have been struck for invited guests at the opening ceremony, making the discovery particularly unusual. Even rarer is the survival of the medal with its original deep-blue-lined leather presentation box.

Tamara Harvey said: “You really never know what is going to come through the door at one of our roadshows. We see everything from family heirlooms and forgotten antiques, to genuinely remarkable pieces of history, but this Tower Bridge medal was something special. To discover that it is one of only around 450 issued for guests at the original opening ceremony makes it an incredibly exciting find, particularly as it has survived with its original presentation box.”

The medal commemorates one of Victorian Britain’s great spectacles. Tower Bridge was officially opened on 30th June 1894 in a grand ceremony presided over by the Prince of Wales, acting on behalf of Queen Victoria. The royal party included Princess Alexandra and their son, the future King George V, while thousands of spectators gathered along the Thames to witness the occasion.

At the climax of the ceremony, the Prince of Wales operated a commemorative lever, triggering the bridge’s huge steam-powered hydraulic machinery and raising the bascules for the first time. A procession of vessels then sailed beneath the newly opened bridge, led by the Harbour Master’s cutter Daisy.

Away from the royal ceremony, the City of London Corporation also held a special celebration for the 1,200 workmen and their wives who had helped construct the bridge. The workers were presented with commemorative pipes and tobacco, while their wives received boxes of sweetmeats.

The newly discovered medal which was given a value of £300-£700 offers a tangible connection, not only to Tower Bridge itself, but to the extraordinary day when the London landmark was unveiled to the public.

ABOUT WEBUYVINTAGE

This discovery highlights the unique role WeBuyVintage roadshows play in uncovering important items of historical and monetary value. Held weekly across the UK, these events invite members of the public to bring along items from their home, whether tucked away in attics, under beds, or long forgotten in storage, for free, face-to-face valuations.

With a team of friendly, approachable specialists, WeBuyVintage prides itself on creating an unintimidating environment where visitors can learn about their possessions. From jewellery and watches to rare books and one-of-a-kind collectibles, every item is assessed with care and expertise. Crucially, all valuations are based on fair, current market prices, ensuring transparency and trust. Backed by experienced antiques professionals, WeBuyVintage offers a reliable way for individuals to understand the true worth of their belongings, proving that what may seem like everyday clutter could, in fact, be a piece of history.