Tower of London

tower of London from the Shard (8515883950)

Tower of London

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, England. It was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was a resented symbol of oppression inflicted upon London by the new ruling elite. The castle was used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard) until 1952 (Kray twins), although that was not its primary purpose. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat.

The Tower's history has been marked by many significant events in English history. It was besieged several times, and controlling it has been important to controlling the country. The Tower has served variously as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. Several buildings within the complex hold historical significance, including the White Tower and the Tower Green, a site of execution for figures such as Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, wives of Henry VIII.

History

The Tower of London has been part of English history since its construction in the late 11th century. It has been expanded upon over the centuries by several monarchs, including Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I. Throughout its history, the Tower has been a symbol of awe and fear, given its use as a fortress, royal palace, and prison.

Architecture

The architecture of the Tower of London is a mix of medieval, Tudor, and Victorian styles, reflecting its long history and varied uses. The White Tower, the oldest part of the complex, is a notable example of Norman architecture. The castle's layout has evolved over the centuries, with the addition of new towers, buildings, and the expansion of the moat.

The Crown Jewels

The Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels, a collection of more than 23,578 gemstones that are a significant symbol of the British monarchy. The jewels are used in the coronation of a new monarch and other royal ceremonies. The tradition of housing the Crown Jewels in the Tower began in the 14th century and continues to this day.

Role as a Prison

Although not originally built as a prison, the Tower of London became one of the most notorious in British history. It has held many high-profile prisoners, including Elizabeth I before she became queen, Sir Walter Raleigh, and the Kray twins in the 20th century. The Tower was often a place where prisoners of high rank or importance were held before their execution or release.

Present Day

Today, the Tower of London is one of the United Kingdom's most popular tourist attractions. It is managed by the Historic Royal Palaces, a charitable organization, and is protected as a World Heritage Site. The Tower also hosts the Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient ritual of locking up the Tower, which has taken place every night for several centuries.