Filed under: historical sites, history, top-feature, UNESCO
Tower of London A Historic Gem
The Tower of London is one of London’s most popular tourist destinations. A must see site for history buffs and Royal-watchers, the Tower has been a public attraction since Charles II reign in 1660 when he placed the Crown Jewels and a collection of armor on display for the wealthy few who could afford a ticket. As one of the properties on the UNESCO World Heritage list, it seems ironic that so many tourists come to visit a place that was originally designed to keep others out.
Dating back to 1066 when William I erected the temporary castle and fortress shortly after his coronation, the Tower of London (map) includes numerous buildings that served as a center of royal power. Upon its completion, the immense White Tower, standing 90 feet, was the tallest building at the time. It dominated the London skyline for miles. Though inhabited by many kings and queens, it was never meant as a main royal residence as other more ornate palaces existed. Still, the Tower was a vision of strength in peacetime, and a refuge during unrest.
Throughout most of its history, a visit to the Tower could strike fear and dread as offenders of the monarchy were sent here as prisoners. Held within the dark, damp walls, suffering appalling conditions, many were tortured, hundreds met with cruel and violent deaths upon Tower Hill under the watchful eye of the gruesome public. The highest ranking prisoners were held in Beauchamp Tower where they were attended by servants. Tower Green was where the most aristocratic prisoners were executed in private, away from the public. Of the seven executed here, two were wives of Henry VIII, among them Anne Boleyn. Standing here, with views of Tower Bridge in the distance, it is hard to imagine that such violent acts took place on this peaceful grassy knoll.
Another building, the Medieval Palace, was created by Henry III and was later enlarged by his son, Edward I. Wakefield Tower, part of the Medieval Palace has been restored to its 13th Century appearance. It was on a tour of this building, the romantic image I had of life in a castle came to a crashing halt. In a tiny closet, pressed against an outer wall of the castle, was a wooden bench with a substantial sized hole. A medieval version of the indoor toilet, the shocking revelation comes with the explanation that the ultimate outcome ended up in the surrounding moat. My image of the crystal clear moat with swans gliding was now a picture of, shall we say, filth and sludge, a major deterrent to would-be swimming invaders. Thankfully, the moat was drained and filled-in in 1845.
36 Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters, guard the Tower and once served as bodyguards of the king, are now retired military officers that live in residences on the property and serve as tour guides. The Yeoman led tours, included in the Tower admission fee, are a highlight of any visit. Like my favorite college history professor, our charming guide was bubbling with knowledgeable facts, legends and mysteries surrounding the Tower, including the disappearance, and believed murder of the young Edward V and his brother in 1483. 
The Beefeaters are not the only residents of the Tower, however, as the famous seven black ravens live in special lodgings next to Wakefield Tower. These guardians of the Tower are tended to by the Raven Master, and as the legend states, ”if the ravens leave the tower, the kingdom will fail”. The large birds can be found throughout the Tower grounds, but should not be approached by visitors.
It was also under Edward I, that the Tower of London was transformed into the largest and strongest fortress within a fortress. The Tower was then used not only as a royal residence, showpiece of military support, and a prison, but also a site to store official papers and valuables. Also known to later house the Office of the Ordnance, the Royal Mint, and even a menagerie, that later formed the London Zoo, The Tower of London, met with renewed public interest and fascination with the public in the 1800′s. A detailed restoration ensued and upon completion, a tour was no longer just for privileged sightseers, but ordinary people could spend a day at the Tower as well.
A favorite stop for me was the display of royal armor. Dating back 500 years, the armor, literally Fit for a King, gave a revealing insight as to their physical appearance, even personality, as the metal suits not only served as protection, but were also decorated with elaborate designs. Perhaps my favorite was the armor of Henry VIII which included the armor worn by his horse as well. Other items on display include a variety of weapons used throughout the ages both as protection and punishment on the prisoners held captive.
As a sharp contrast to the pain and horror suffered within the Tower are the sparkling gems that adorned the monarchy for ages. Under armed guard at the Jewel House, the greatest collection of Crown Jewels, 23,578 to be exact, are a priceless symbol of the British Monarchy. Not a museum collection, but a working collection as evidenced by the “In Use” signs. The most stunning are perhaps the items used during coronation ceremonies. The Imperial Crown alone contains 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 5 rubies. In an attempt to keep the crowd moving at an even pace, guests view the jewels from a slow moving conveyor belt.
The New Armouries Restaurant provides with an opportunity to grab a light snack or a full meal. Located within the last existing ordnance, used as a storehouse for military supplies, the New Armouries Restaurant makes a fun stop for afternoon tea. Guests to the Tower are also allowed to picnic within the grounds. Paul, a quick serve or “take away” cafe, is located on Tower Wharf and with seating along the river offers excellent views. Guests may access Paul without an admission ticket to the Tower.
Admission tickets include access to the Tower, a Yeoman tour, historical reenactments, tour of White Tower, the exhibitions, Fit for a King and Prisoners of the Tower. Tickets may be purchased up to seven days in advance online, by telephone or in person from Tower ticket kiosks on Tower Hill (London's most famous place of imprisonment, torture, and execution, and for your cash, you get a tour of the Crown Jewels thrown in too. Don't try anything funny though, or you risk staying at number 6 a little longer than planned. [link]___lat___51.508544921875___lng___-0.0763100013136864___address___Tower Hill Tower Hamlets, London EC3N, UK" href="http://www.planeteye.com/Place/White-Tower-Tower-Of-London+680872.aspx?refcon=wp&refid=0" target="_blank">map).
Part of the fun of a day at the Tower is getting there on a ride in the London Underground System, or Tube, exiting at the Tower Hill Stop, immediately across the street from the Tower of London. Do not let the day end without a walk along the Thames River, located outside the ramparts of the Tower. From here you get an outstanding view of the Tower Bridge (map).
While a visit to the Tower of London may not have been a pleasant experience during medieval times, by today’s standards it is a not to be missed adventure during any visit to London.
Photo Selections: J. Ingersoll
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