The Tower of London and its royal connection
One of the main historic castles in London is the Tower of London located
on the north bank of the River Thames.
It is not only a tourist vistor place but the Tower of London also has a great
royal history.
Royal History
Between 1066 and 1087, William the Conqueror established 36 castles,
although references in the Domesday Book indicate that many more
were founded by his subordinates. The Normans undertook what has
been described as "the most extensive and concentrated programme of
castle-building in the whole history of feudal Europe".
although references in the Domesday Book indicate that many more
were founded by his subordinates. The Normans undertook what has
been described as "the most extensive and concentrated programme of
castle-building in the whole history of feudal Europe".
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William sent an advance party to prepare the city for his entrance,
to celebrate his victory and found a castle; in the words of William's
biographer, William of Poitiers, "certain fortifications were completed
in the city against the restlessness of the huge and brutal populace.
to celebrate his victory and found a castle; in the words of William's
biographer, William of Poitiers, "certain fortifications were completed
in the city against the restlessness of the huge and brutal populace.
At the time, London was the largest town in England; the foundation of
Westminster Abbey and the old Palace of Westminster under
Edward the Confessor had marked it as a centre of governance, and with a
prosperous port it was important for the Normans to establish control
over the settlement.
Westminster Abbey and the old Palace of Westminster under
Edward the Confessor had marked it as a centre of governance, and with a
prosperous port it was important for the Normans to establish control
over the settlement.
The fortification that would later become known as the Tower of London
was built onto the south-east corner of the Roman town walls, using
them as prefabricated defences, with the River Thames providing
additional protection from the south.
was built onto the south-east corner of the Roman town walls, using
them as prefabricated defences, with the River Thames providing
additional protection from the south.
White Tower
Most of the early Norman castles were built from timber, but by the end of
the 11th century a few, including the Tower of London, had been renovated
or replaced with stone.
the 11th century a few, including the Tower of London, had been renovated
or replaced with stone.
Work on the White Tower – which gives the whole castle its name –
is usually considered to have begun in 1078, however the exact date
is uncertain. William made Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, responsible
for its construction, although it may not have been completed until
after William's death in 1087.
is usually considered to have begun in 1078, however the exact date
is uncertain. William made Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, responsible
for its construction, although it may not have been completed until
after William's death in 1087.
The White Tower is the earliest stone keep in England, and was the
strongest point of the early castle.
strongest point of the early castle.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that in 1097 King William II
ordered a wall to be built around the Tower of London; it was probably
built from stone and likely replaced the timber palisade that arced
around the north and west sides of the castle, between the Roman wall
(to the east) and the Thames (to the south).
ordered a wall to be built around the Tower of London; it was probably
built from stone and likely replaced the timber palisade that arced
around the north and west sides of the castle, between the Roman wall
(to the east) and the Thames (to the south).
The death in 1135 of Henry I left England with a disputed succession;
although the king had persuaded his most powerful barons to swear
support for the Empress Matilda, just a few days after Henry's death
Stephen of Blois arrived from France to lay claim to the throne.
although the king had persuaded his most powerful barons to swear
support for the Empress Matilda, just a few days after Henry's death
Stephen of Blois arrived from France to lay claim to the throne.
The importance of the city and its Tower is marked by the speed at
which he secured London. The castle, which had not been used as a
royal residence for some time, was usually left in the charge of a
Constable, a post held at this time by Geoffrey de Mandeville.
which he secured London. The castle, which had not been used as a
royal residence for some time, was usually left in the charge of a
Constable, a post held at this time by Geoffrey de Mandeville.
As the Tower was considered an impregnable fortress in a strategically
important position, possession was highly valued. Mandeville exploited
this, selling his allegiance to Matilda after Stephen was captured
in 1141 at the Battle of Lincoln.
important position, possession was highly valued. Mandeville exploited
this, selling his allegiance to Matilda after Stephen was captured
in 1141 at the Battle of Lincoln.
Once her support waned, the following year he resold his loyalty
to Stephen. Through his role as Constable of the Tower, Mandeville
became "the richest and most powerful man in England".
to Stephen. Through his role as Constable of the Tower, Mandeville
became "the richest and most powerful man in England".
The castle probably retained its form as established by 1100 until
the reign of Richard I (1189–1199).
the reign of Richard I (1189–1199).
The castle was extended under William Longchamp, King Richard's
Lord Chancellor and the man in charge of England while he was
on crusade.
Lord Chancellor and the man in charge of England while he was
on crusade.
John succeeded Richard as king in 1199, but his rule proved unpopular
with many of his barons, who in response moved against him. In 1214,
while the king was at Windsor Castle, Robert Fitzwalter led an army
into London and laid siege to the Tower. Although under-garrisoned,
the Tower resisted and the siege was lifted once John signed
the Magna Carta.
John was deposed in 1216 and the barons offered the English throne
to Prince Louis, the eldest son of the French king. However, after John's
death in October 1216, many began to support the claim of his eldest son,
Henry III. War continued between the factions supporting Louis and Henry,
with Fitzwalter supporting Louis. Fitzwalter was still in control of London
and the Tower, both of which held out until it was clear that Henry III's
supporters would prevail.
to Prince Louis, the eldest son of the French king. However, after John's
death in October 1216, many began to support the claim of his eldest son,
Henry III. War continued between the factions supporting Louis and Henry,
with Fitzwalter supporting Louis. Fitzwalter was still in control of London
and the Tower, both of which held out until it was clear that Henry III's
supporters would prevail.
In the 13th century, Kings Henry III (1216–1272) and Edward I (1272–1307)
extended the castle, essentially creating it as it stands today.
extended the castle, essentially creating it as it stands today.
Henry was disconnected from his barons, and a mutual lack of understanding
led to unrest and resentment towards his rule. As a result, he was eager to
ensure the Tower of London was a formidable fortification; at the same
time Henry was an aesthete and wished to make the castle a comfortable
place to live.
led to unrest and resentment towards his rule. As a result, he was eager to
ensure the Tower of London was a formidable fortification; at the same
time Henry was an aesthete and wished to make the castle a comfortable
place to live.
Beginning around 1238, the castle was expanded to the east, north,
and north-west. The work lasted through the reign of Henry III
and into that of Edward I, interrupted occasionally by civil unrest.
and north-west. The work lasted through the reign of Henry III
and into that of Edward I, interrupted occasionally by civil unrest.
Henry III often held court at the Tower of London, and held parliament
there on at least two occasions (1236 and 1261) when he felt that the
barons were becoming dangerously unruly. In 1258, the discontented
barons, led by Simon de Montfort, forced the King to agree to reforms
including the holding of regular parliaments. Relinquishing the
Tower of London was among the conditions. Henry III resented
losing power and sought permission from the pope to break his oath.
With the backing of mercenaries, Henry installed himself in the
Tower in 1261.
there on at least two occasions (1236 and 1261) when he felt that the
barons were becoming dangerously unruly. In 1258, the discontented
barons, led by Simon de Montfort, forced the King to agree to reforms
including the holding of regular parliaments. Relinquishing the
Tower of London was among the conditions. Henry III resented
losing power and sought permission from the pope to break his oath.
With the backing of mercenaries, Henry installed himself in the
Tower in 1261.
Henry won a significant victory at the Battle of Evesham in 1265,
allowing him to regain control of the country and the Tower of London.
allowing him to regain control of the country and the Tower of London.
Although he was rarely in London, Edward I undertook an expensive
remodelling of the Tower, costing £21,000 between 1275 and 1285,
over double that spent on the castle during the whole of Henry III's reign
remodelling of the Tower, costing £21,000 between 1275 and 1285,
over double that spent on the castle during the whole of Henry III's reign
During Edward II's reign (1307–1327) there was relatively little
activity at the Tower of London.However, it was during this period
that the Privy Wardrobe was founded. The institution was based at
the Tower and responsible for organising the state's arms.
activity at the Tower of London.However, it was during this period
that the Privy Wardrobe was founded. The institution was based at
the Tower and responsible for organising the state's arms.
A prison
In 1321, Margaret de Clare, Baroness Badlesmere became the first
woman imprisoned in the Tower of London after she refused
Queen Isabella admittance to Leeds Castle and ordered her archers
to target Isabella, killing six of the royal escort.
woman imprisoned in the Tower of London after she refused
Queen Isabella admittance to Leeds Castle and ordered her archers
to target Isabella, killing six of the royal escort.
Amongst Edward's successes were the battles of Crécy and Poitiers
where King John II of France was taken prisoner, and the capture
of the King David II of Scotland at Neville's Cross.
where King John II of France was taken prisoner, and the capture
of the King David II of Scotland at Neville's Cross.
During this period, the Tower of London held many noble prisoners
of war. Edward II had allowed the Tower of London to fall into a state
of disrepair, and by the reign of Edward III the castle was an
uncomfortable place. The nobility held captive within its walls were
unable to engage in activities such as hunting which were permissible
at other royal castles used as prisons, for instance Windsor.
Edward III ordered that the castle should be renovated.
of war. Edward II had allowed the Tower of London to fall into a state
of disrepair, and by the reign of Edward III the castle was an
uncomfortable place. The nobility held captive within its walls were
unable to engage in activities such as hunting which were permissible
at other royal castles used as prisons, for instance Windsor.
Edward III ordered that the castle should be renovated.
When Richard II was crowned in 1377, he led a procession from the
Tower to Westminster Abbey. This tradition began in at least the early 14th
century and lasted until 1660.
Tower to Westminster Abbey. This tradition began in at least the early 14th
century and lasted until 1660.
During the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 the Tower of London was besieged
with the King inside. When Richard rode out to meet with Wat Tyler, the
rebel leader, a crowd broke into the castle without meeting resistance
and looted the Jewel House.
with the King inside. When Richard rode out to meet with Wat Tyler, the
rebel leader, a crowd broke into the castle without meeting resistance
and looted the Jewel House.
Much of the latter half of the 15th century was occupied by the
Wars of the Roses between the claimants to the throne, the houses of
Lancaster and York.
Wars of the Roses between the claimants to the throne, the houses of
Lancaster and York.
The castle was once again besieged in 1460, this time by a Yorkist force.
The Tower was damaged by artillery fire but only surrendered when
Henry VI was captured at the Battle of Northampton. With the help of
Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick (nicknamed "the Kingmaker")
Henry recaptured the throne for a short time in 1470.
The Tower was damaged by artillery fire but only surrendered when
Henry VI was captured at the Battle of Northampton. With the help of
Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick (nicknamed "the Kingmaker")
Henry recaptured the throne for a short time in 1470.
However, Edward IV soon regained control and Henry VI was
imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he was probably murdered.
imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he was probably murdered.
Princes of the Tower
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Shortly after the death of Edward IV in 1483, the notorious murder of the
Princes in the Tower is traditionally believed to have taken place.
The incident is one of the most infamous events associated with the
Tower of London.
Princes in the Tower is traditionally believed to have taken place.
The incident is one of the most infamous events associated with the
Tower of London.
Edward V's uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester was declared Lord Protector
while the prince was too young to rule. Traditional accounts have held
that the 12-year-old Edward was confined to the Tower of London along
with his younger brother Richard. The Duke of Gloucester was
proclaimed King Richard III in June. The princes were last seen in
public in June 1483; it has traditionally been thought that the most likely
reason for their disappearance is that they were murdered late in the
summer of 1483.
while the prince was too young to rule. Traditional accounts have held
that the 12-year-old Edward was confined to the Tower of London along
with his younger brother Richard. The Duke of Gloucester was
proclaimed King Richard III in June. The princes were last seen in
public in June 1483; it has traditionally been thought that the most likely
reason for their disappearance is that they were murdered late in the
summer of 1483.
Another use
The beginning of the Tudor period marked the start of the decline of the
Tower of London's use as a royal residence. As 16th-century chronicler
Raphael Holinshed said the Tower became used more as "an armouries
and house of munition, and thereunto a place for the safekeeping of
offenders than a palace roiall for a king or queen to sojourne in".
Tower of London's use as a royal residence. As 16th-century chronicler
Raphael Holinshed said the Tower became used more as "an armouries
and house of munition, and thereunto a place for the safekeeping of
offenders than a palace roiall for a king or queen to sojourne in".
Henry VII visited the Tower on fourteen occasions between 1485 and 1500,
usually staying for less than a week at a time.
usually staying for less than a week at a time.
During the reign of Henry VIII, the Tower was assessed as needing
considerable work on its defences. In 1532, Thomas Cromwell spent £3,593
on repairs and imported nearly 3,000 tons of Caen stone for the work.
considerable work on its defences. In 1532, Thomas Cromwell spent £3,593
on repairs and imported nearly 3,000 tons of Caen stone for the work.
Even so, this was not sufficient to bring the castle up to the standard
of contemporary military fortifications which were designed to withstand
powerful artillery.
of contemporary military fortifications which were designed to withstand
powerful artillery.
From 1547 onwards, the Tower of London was only used as a royal
residence when its political and historic symbolism was considered
useful, for instance each of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I briefly
stayed at the Tower before their coronations.
residence when its political and historic symbolism was considered
useful, for instance each of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I briefly
stayed at the Tower before their coronations.
16th. century
In the 16th century, the Tower acquired an enduring reputation as a grim,
forbidding prison. This had not always been the case. As a royal castle,
it was used by the monarch to imprison people for various reasons,
however these were usually high-status individuals for short periods
rather than common citizenry as there were plenty of prisons elsewhere
for such people.
forbidding prison. This had not always been the case. As a royal castle,
it was used by the monarch to imprison people for various reasons,
however these were usually high-status individuals for short periods
rather than common citizenry as there were plenty of prisons elsewhere
for such people.
One of those tortured at the Tower was Guy Fawkes, who was brought
there on 6 November 1605; after torture he signed a full confession
to the Gunpowder Plot.
there on 6 November 1605; after torture he signed a full confession
to the Gunpowder Plot.
Anne Boleyn
Among those held and executed at the Tower was Anne Boleyn.
The Tower was often a safer place than other prisons in London such as
the Fleet, where disease was rife. High-status prisoners could live in
conditions comparable to those they might expect outside; one such
example was that while Walter Raleigh was held in the Tower his
rooms were altered to accommodate his family, including his son
who was born there in 1605.
The Tower was often a safer place than other prisons in London such as
the Fleet, where disease was rife. High-status prisoners could live in
conditions comparable to those they might expect outside; one such
example was that while Walter Raleigh was held in the Tower his
rooms were altered to accommodate his family, including his son
who was born there in 1605.
Executions were usually carried out on Tower Hill rather than in the Tower
of London itself, and 112 people were executed on the hill over 400 years.
of London itself, and 112 people were executed on the hill over 400 years.
Lady Jane Grey
Before the 20th century, there had been seven executions within the castle
on Tower Green; as was the case with Lady Jane Grey, this was reserved
for prisoners for whom public execution was considered dangerous.
on Tower Green; as was the case with Lady Jane Grey, this was reserved
for prisoners for whom public execution was considered dangerous.
After Lady Jane Grey's execution on 12 February 1554, Queen Mary I
imprisoned her sister Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth I, in the Tower
under suspicion of causing rebellion as Sir Thomas Wyatt had led a
revolt against Mary in Elizabeth's name.
imprisoned her sister Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth I, in the Tower
under suspicion of causing rebellion as Sir Thomas Wyatt had led a
revolt against Mary in Elizabeth's name.
Charles I
Political tensions between Charles I and Parliament in the second quarter
of the 17th century led to an attempt by forces loyal to the King to
secure the Tower and its valuable contents, including money and
munitions. By the time the English Civil War broke out in November 1642,
the Tower of London was already in Parliament's control.
of the 17th century led to an attempt by forces loyal to the King to
secure the Tower and its valuable contents, including money and
munitions. By the time the English Civil War broke out in November 1642,
the Tower of London was already in Parliament's control.
The last monarch to uphold the tradition of taking a procession from the
Tower to Westminster to be crowned was Charles II in 1661. At the time, the
castle's accommodation was in such poor condition that he did not stay there
the night before his coronation.
Tower to Westminster to be crowned was Charles II in 1661. At the time, the
castle's accommodation was in such poor condition that he did not stay there
the night before his coronation.
Stuart reign
Under the Stuart kings the Tower's buildings were remodelled, mostly under
the auspices of the Office of Ordnance. Just over £4,000 was spent in 1663
on building a new storehouse, now known as the New Armouries in the inner ward.
the auspices of the Office of Ordnance. Just over £4,000 was spent in 1663
on building a new storehouse, now known as the New Armouries in the inner ward.
In the 17th century there were plans to enhance the Tower's defences in the style
of the trace italienne, however they were never acted on. Although the facilities
for the garrison were improved with the addition of the first purpose-built
quarters for soldiers (the "Irish Barracks") in 1670, the general accommodations
were still in poor condition.
of the trace italienne, however they were never acted on. Although the facilities
for the garrison were improved with the addition of the first purpose-built
quarters for soldiers (the "Irish Barracks") in 1670, the general accommodations
were still in poor condition.
Hanover reign
When the Hanoverian dynasty ascended the throne, their situation was
uncertain and with a possible Scottish rebellion in mind, the Tower of London
was repaired. The popularity of the Chartist movement between 1828 and 1858
led to a desire to refortify the Tower of London in the event of civil unrest.
It was the last major programme of fortification at the castle. Most of the
surviving installations for the use of artillery and firearms date from
this period.
uncertain and with a possible Scottish rebellion in mind, the Tower of London
was repaired. The popularity of the Chartist movement between 1828 and 1858
led to a desire to refortify the Tower of London in the event of civil unrest.
It was the last major programme of fortification at the castle. Most of the
surviving installations for the use of artillery and firearms date from
this period.
20th century
During the First World War, eleven men were tried in private
and shot by firing squad at the Tower for espionage.
and shot by firing squad at the Tower for espionage.
During the Second World War, the Tower was once again used to
hold prisoners of war. One such person was Rudolf Hess, Adolf Hitler's deputy,
albeit just for four days in 1941. He was the last state prisoner to be held at
the castle.
hold prisoners of war. One such person was Rudolf Hess, Adolf Hitler's deputy,
albeit just for four days in 1941. He was the last state prisoner to be held at
the castle.
The last person to be executed at the Tower was German spy Josef Jakobs
who was shot on 15 August 1941.
who was shot on 15 August 1941.
The executions for espionage during the wars took place in a prefabricated
miniature rifle range which stood in the outer ward and was demolished
in 1969.
miniature rifle range which stood in the outer ward and was demolished
in 1969.
The Second World War also saw the last use of the Tower as a fortification.
In the event of a German invasion, the Tower, together with the
Royal Mint and nearby warehouses, was to have formed one of three
"keeps" or complexes of defended buildings which formed the last-ditch
defences of the capital.
In the event of a German invasion, the Tower, together with the
Royal Mint and nearby warehouses, was to have formed one of three
"keeps" or complexes of defended buildings which formed the last-ditch
defences of the capital.
Nowadays
In the 21st century, tourism is the Tower's primary role, with the remaining
routine military activities, under the Royal Logistic Corps, having wound
down in the latter half of the 20th century and moved out of the castle.
routine military activities, under the Royal Logistic Corps, having wound
down in the latter half of the 20th century and moved out of the castle.
However, the Tower is still home to the regimental headquarters of the
Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
👻 Ghosts .....
Anne Boleyn was beheaded in 1536 for treason against Henry VIII;
her ghost supposedly haunts the Church of St Peter ad Vincula in the Tower,
where she is buried, and has been said to walk around the
White Tower carrying her head under her arm.
her ghost supposedly haunts the Church of St Peter ad Vincula in the Tower,
where she is buried, and has been said to walk around the
White Tower carrying her head under her arm.
Other reported ghosts include Henry VI,
Lady Jane Grey,
Lady Jane Grey,
Margaret Pole, and the Princes in the Tower.
In January 1816, a sentry on guard outside the Jewel House
claimed to have witnessed an apparition of a bear
advancing towards him, and reportedly died of fright
a few days later.
That's something for Halloween isn't it?
👻
👀 Figures 👀
As protector of the Crown Jewels, home of the Yeomen Warders and its
legendary guardians, the pampered ravens, the Tower now attracts over
three million visitors a year.
legendary guardians, the pampered ravens, the Tower now attracts over
three million visitors a year.
Unesco
Since 1990, the Tower of London has been cared for by an independent charity,
Historic Royal Palaces, which receives no funding from the
Government or the Crown.
Government or the Crown.
In 1988, the Tower of London was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites,
in recognition of its global importance and to help conserve and protect the site.
in recognition of its global importance and to help conserve and protect the site.
However, recent developments, such as the construction of skyscrapers nearby,
have pushed the Tower towards being added to the United Nations' Heritage
in Danger List. The remains of the medieval palace have been open to the
public since 2006 where visitors can explore the restored chambers.
have pushed the Tower towards being added to the United Nations' Heritage
in Danger List. The remains of the medieval palace have been open to the
public since 2006 where visitors can explore the restored chambers.
The Ravens
At least six ravens are kept at the Tower at all times, in accordance
with the belief that if they are absent, the kingdom will fall. They are under
the care of the Ravenmaster, one of the Yeoman Warders.
with the belief that if they are absent, the kingdom will fall. They are under
the care of the Ravenmaster, one of the Yeoman Warders.
The crown jewels
The tradition of housing the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London probably
dates from the reign of Henry III (1216–1272). The Jewel House was built
specifically to house the royal regalia, including jewels, plate, and
symbols of royalty such as the crown, sceptre, and sword.
dates from the reign of Henry III (1216–1272). The Jewel House was built
specifically to house the royal regalia, including jewels, plate, and
symbols of royalty such as the crown, sceptre, and sword.
In 1649, during the English Commonwealth following Charles I's execution,
the contents of the Jewel House were disposed of along with other royal
properties, as decreed by Cromwell. Metal items were sent to the Mint to
be melted down and re-used, and the crowns were "totallie broken and
defaced".
the contents of the Jewel House were disposed of along with other royal
properties, as decreed by Cromwell. Metal items were sent to the Mint to
be melted down and re-used, and the crowns were "totallie broken and
defaced".
When the monarchy was restored in 1660, the only surviving items of
the coronation regalia were a 12th-century spoon and three ceremonial
swords. (Some pieces that had been sold were later returned to the Crown.)
the coronation regalia were a 12th-century spoon and three ceremonial
swords. (Some pieces that had been sold were later returned to the Crown.)
In 1669, the Jewel House was demolished and the Crown Jewels moved
into Martin Tower (until 1841). They were displayed here for viewing by the
paying public.
into Martin Tower (until 1841). They were displayed here for viewing by the
paying public.
Since 1994, the Crown Jewels have been on display in the Jewel House
in the Waterloo Block. Some of the pieces were once regularly used by
Queen Elizabeth II. The display includes 23,578 gemstones, the 800-year-
old Coronation Spoon, St Edward's Crown (traditionally placed on a
monarch's head at the moment of crowning) and the Imperial State Crown.
in the Waterloo Block. Some of the pieces were once regularly used by
Queen Elizabeth II. The display includes 23,578 gemstones, the 800-year-
old Coronation Spoon, St Edward's Crown (traditionally placed on a
monarch's head at the moment of crowning) and the Imperial State Crown.
📷 I took the pictures from the Tower of London in 2016.
source pictures royals: Wikipedia
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