The Tower of London is perhaps better known as a prison. At the end of the war, the damage was repaired and reopened to the public. Usually they were given control of the city and were responsible for levying taxes, enforcing the law and maintaining order. [166] In 2011, an exhibition was hosted at the Tower with fine wire sculptures by Kendra Haste. [156], In 1649, during the English Civil War, the contents of the Jewel House were disposed of along with other royal properties, as decreed by Cromwell. It also contained grand accommodation for the king. Some historians, including the Tower's official historian believe the "Tower's raven mythology is likely to be a Victorian flight of fantasy". They were originally part of the Yeomen of the Guard, the monarch’s personal bodyguard who travelled with him. [188] 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. [109] Although the Yeoman Warders were once the Royal Bodyguard, by the 16th and 17th centuries their main duty had become to look after the prisoners. He abdicated and was replaced on the throne by Bolingbroke, who became King Henry IV. It was besieged several times, and controlling it has been important to controlling the country. Later came tigers, kangaroos and ostriches. [45] Blocked battlements (also known as crenellations) in the south side of Legge's Mount are the only surviving medieval battlements at the Tower of London (the rest are Victorian replacements). At the same time, there was greater interest in the history of the Tower of London. Even in the 20th century, German spies were brought here and shot. St John’s Chapel was not part of the White Tower’s original design, as the apsidal projection was built after the basement walls. This use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower". The structure was originally three storeys high, comprising a basement floor, an entrance level, and an upper floor. [75], In the 13th century, Kings Henry III (1216–1272) and Edward I (1272–1307) extended the castle, essentially creating it as it stands today. [56][57] Between 1066 and 1087, William established 36 castles,[54] although references in the Domesday Book indicate that many more were founded by his subordinates. [26] The area around the White Tower was cleared so that anyone approaching would have to cross open ground. Under subsequent kings, the number of animals grew to include additional cats of various types, jackals, hyenas, and an old brown bear, Max, gifted to Henry VIII by Emperor Maximilian. In 1532, Thomas Cromwell spent £3,593 on repairs and imported nearly 3,000 tons of Caen stone for the work. The stories of prisoners, rich and poor, still haunt the Tower. Oh, and they also have a passion for all things British! Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity. The layout of the Tower of London has remained pretty much unchanged since. [68] The Jews used the Tower as a retreat, when threatened by anti-Jewish violence. The castle encloses an area of almost 12 acres (4.9 hectares) with a further 6 acres (2.4 ha) around the Tower of London constituting the Tower Liberties – land under the direct influence of the castle and cleared for military reasons. The position grew to include other duties including purchasing royal jewels, gold, and silver, and appointing royal goldsmiths and jewellers. [105][112] Over 2.8 million people visited the Tower of London in 2017. The complex consisted of an inner and an outer gatehouse and a barbican,[48] which became known as the Lion Tower as it was associated with the animals as part of the Royal Menagerie since at least the 1330s. The Waterloo Block, a former barracks in the castellated Gothic Revival style with Domestic Tudor details, was built on the site and remains to this day, housing the Crown Jewels on the ground floor. The crypt of St John's Chapel occupied the south-east corner and was accessible only from the eastern chamber. All other buildings remain closed. [50] Edward also moved the Royal Mint into the Tower; its exact location early on is unknown, although it was probably in either the outer ward or the Lion Tower. According to the legend, if the ravens leave the tower, Britain will Arms like cannons, handguns and even bows and arrows were manufactured here and supplied to the army and navy. [127] 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. Although under-garrisoned, the Tower resisted and the siege was lifted once John signed the Magna Carta. Working on the suggestion, Anthony Salvin refurbished the tower and led a further programme for a comprehensive restoration at the behest of Prince Albert. In The Tower of London: A Historical Romance he created a vivid image of underground torture chambers and devices for extracting confessions that stuck in the public imagination. [21] The tradition of whitewashing the White Tower (from which it derives its name) began in 1240. She has a house onsite called ‘The Queen’s House’ (The King’s House when the Monarch’s male), which she could still inhabit if she wished. The innermost ward encloses an area immediately south of the White Tower, stretching to what was once the edge of the River Thames. Now nearly 1000 years later, the Tower still has the capacity to fascinate and horrify. Henry III (1216-72) and Edward I (1272-1307) expanded William’s fortress, adding huge ‘curtain’ (defensive) walls with a series of smaller towers, and enlarging the moat. [165][166] Records of 1210–1212 show payments to lion keepers. King Henry had placed a zoo in there with three leopards, an elephant and a polar bear. 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. What are the different roles the Tower of London has played in British History? For the coronation of Charles II, gems were rented because the treasury could not afford to replace them. good topic- tower of london- thank you for the information, Yeah, it helped mine too, my projects on London and I think this is a great website…, i think it is a awsome website for children, Your email address will not be published. There is a doctor and a chaplain. [13], The entrance floor was probably intended for the use of the Constable of the Tower, Lieutenant of the Tower of London and other important officials. The Tower of London is included as it is one of the very few intact medieval buildings. The Tower of London is still officially a royal residence of Her Majesty The Queen. The Tower of London, officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.. The main threat to the site today is the exhaust of cars. [74], John succeeded Richard as king in 1199, but his rule proved unpopular with many of his barons, who in response moved against him. Discover more of Tower Bridge's history when you see inside Tower Bridge. A wealthy palace, housing the Queen’s official residence; outside where guards hush; holding very valuable lavish jewels; a disreputable and ruthless prison; a grizzly bear ghost wandering at night, and many such eccentric events engulf the famous Tower of London.

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