Be it donkey rides or department stores, antiseptic or anaesthetic, railway trains, light bulbs or the rules of football: those ingenious Victorians gave us them all.

This summer we are staging a special exhibition in tribute to the Victorian Age complete with observational quiz, animated tours and hands-on Victorian fun and games.

Games are laid out in the panoramic East Walkway of the Tower Bridge Exhibition where hopscotch, tiddlywinks and other deceptively simply Victorian pastimes challenge visitors to test their skills.

The fun continues in the spectacular West Walkway where lively display panels and interactive elements, linked by a family quiz, introduce the great Victorians and their amazing achievements which still influence our lives today.

Great characters under the spotlight range from Florence Nightingale to Marie Lloyd, Dr Livingstone to Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Great inventions cover an awesome catalogue from photographs to fingerprints, moving pictures to Morse Code.

During the month of August, less reverent anecdotes are supplied by a visiting “Victorian Professor”, who offers his eccentric insight to those who accompany him on his tours. Visitors intrigued to share such snippets as who met their downfall at Queen Victoria’s coronation, or what Her Majesty really thought of Tower Bridge, can see the Professor in action at 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm, every day except Wednesdays throughout August.

What the Victorians Did for Us is included in the usual Tower Bridge Exhibition admission prices.