An Historical Overview of The Tower of London
Discover The Grim History and Legend of London’s Famous Tower
Sep 9, 2008
This ancient monument in England’s capital was initially built in 1078 during the reign of William the Conqueror. Further fortifications were made by Richard the Lionheart and Henry III before being completed by Edward I who added a second outer wall and a moat.
The WhiteTower
The White Tower was the most redeeming feature of the original structure and was completed in 1097. It is built from Caen stone which William I had imported from France. Its purpose was not only to protect the King and his courtiers from invaders outside of Britain, but also from rebelling subjects. The tower got its name after Henry III had it whitewashed in 1240 when he turned the fortress into a Royal Palace.
Traitors Gate
The Tower of London is most commonly known for its function as a state prison, a malign, eldritch place where many met a gruesome end. From the street alongside the river one can see Traitors Gate, the main entrance through which prisoners were taken into the Tower and dumped in the dungeons or cells in the bowels of the fortress to await their fate – generally torture and death.
The headless wives of Henry VIII
Two of Henry VIII six wives were crowned Queen at the Tower, and both returned to be executed. Anne Boleyn in 1536 and six years later her cousin Catherine Howard were both beheaded for adultery and treason on Tower Green. After the execution of his fifth wife, Henry VIII never returned to the Tower again.
The Bloody Tower
The bloody Tower was so called after the mysterious – and supposed murder – of the two princes, the uncrowned Edward V and his brother, Richard of York. It is alleged the princes were seen in the window of the tower shortly before their disappearance whilst in the care of their deformed, but ambitious uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. With the boys disposed of Richard III laid claim to the throne.
Yeoman Warders
Yeoman Warders are more commonly known as Beefeaters and are custodians of the Tower providing security and acting as tour guides. Happy to regale visitor's with tales of pain, passion and treachery, they have become a popular tourist attraction in their own right.
The Legend of the Ravens
Ravens have a long standing history with the Tower, their presence tinged with myth and legend. Charles II had ordered the removal of the birds, but was informed the monarchy and the Kingdom would collapse if at least six Ravens were not present within the Tower’s grounds. The myth was undermined when all but one of the Ravens perished of shock during the World War II bombings, though the legend lives on and eight Ravens are kept at the Tower, clipped so they don’t fly away.
The Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels consist of Coronation regalia dating back to King Charles II and the Restoration Period of the latter half of the 17th century. Earlier Jewels were disposed of by Oliver Cromwell following his defeat of Charles I in 1649, but reintroduced into the public domain by Charles II shortly after his succession to the throne in 1660. This act of grace was almost to the King’s detriment when a fractious Irishmen by the name of Colonel Thomas Blood attempted to steal them. He almost succeeded, but was caught in the act.
How To Get There
A trip to London would not be complete without a visit to the Tower. To get there take the Circle and District Lines to Tower Hill station or alternatively the Northern, and Jubilee Lines to London Bridge Station. Opening Times are seasonal. 1 Mar – 31 Oct ,Tues-Sat 9.00-17.30, Sun-Mon 10.00-17.30 and 1 Nov – 28 Feb Tues-Sat 9.00-16.30, Sun-Mon 10.00-16.30. You should allow at least 2 hours for your visit.
Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB. Tel: 0844 4827777
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