Historic Royal Palaces – The Tower of London
Palace, Fortress, Prison, Arsenal, Royal Mint, Zoo, and Jewel House
In 1066, William Duke of Normandy conquered England and began a campaign to build hundreds of castles throughout the country. By this time, London was the most powerful city in the country and securing it was essential. After William’s coronation, he ordered the construction of a number of fortifications in London, including the future Tower of London.
The first building to be built was the White Tower, which was completed in the 1070s. The White Tower served two purposes: first, to protect the River Thames and, second, to dominate the London skyline. The White Tower was surrounded to the east and south by the Roman city walls and to the north and west by deep ditches.
The area around the tower contained several timber buildings that served various purposes. Although the area did not contain a royal residence, the function of the White Tower became a base for royal power within London and a stronghold to which the royals could retreat if necessary.
The Middle Ages
The Middle Ages was a time a expansion for the Tower of London. When Richard the Lionheart came to the throne in 1189, he left on a crusade to Jerusalem. His chancellor, William Longchamp, was left in charge of the kingdom. Longchamp enlarged and strengthened the Tower in a series of building campaigns.
A major extension of the royal accommodations was begun during the reign of Henry III. This area formed the Inmost Ward. The great hall and kitchen were improved and the Watkefield Tower, intended to be the king’s lodgings, and the Lanthorn Tower, intended as the queen’s lodgings, were built.
By the mid-1230s Henry III was being threatened by his barons and fled to the Tower. He discovered many weaknesses in its defenses so in 1238 he launched an ambitious building program, which included the construction of a new curtain wall. The wall doubled the area of the fortress and enclosed the small church of St. Peter ad Vincula. The wall was reinforced by 9 new towers and surrounded by a moat.
Between 1275 and 1285 Edward I continued his father’s construction, including the construction of the Beauchamp Tower and new royal lodgings. The Tower of London became the largest concentric castle in England.
It was during the Middle Ages that the Tower was began to be used for reasons other than as a fortress. During the reign of Henry III, the Tower was used as a prison. Edward I built a building to house the Royal Mint and used other buildings as a place for storing records. The Tower was also used as a menagerie for the King’s animals and as a treasury. In 1303 the Crown Jewels were moved from Westminster Abbey to the Tower.
The Tudors
Henry VII built the last permanent royal residence at the Tower. These buildings were expanded by Henry VIII for the coronation of his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Henry was the last monarch to stay at the Tower overnight.
After the Reformation in England, the Tower became primarily used as a prison for religious and political prisoners. Many illustrious persons, including bishops, earls, dukes, and queens spent months and even years languishing in the Tower of London.
The Restoration
A permanent garrison was first installed at the Tower by Oliver Cromwell at the end of the Civil War, but the Tower’s role as a prison began to decline. After the restoration of Charles II in 1660, the Office of Ordnance, which provided military supplies and equipment, made the Tower its headquarters. In addition, the Crown Jewels went on public display.
Modern Times
At the beginning of the 19th century, many of the institutions based at the Tower began to leave. The first to leave was the Royal Mint, followed by the royal menagerie, and the records office. After 1850, historians and archeologists began to explore the area. In addition, the number of visitors to the Tower increased. By 1901, half a million people were visiting the Tower.
The Tower of London became a target for enemies during the 20th century. It escaped the first world war largely unscathed, but the second world war brought severe bomb damage. In addition, the Tower was once again used as a prison. Eleven spies were executed within its walls.
Today the Tower of London is one of the most recognizable landmarks in London and one of the world’s major tourist attractions. Over 2.5 million visitors enter its doors each year. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sources:
Thurley, Simon, et al. The Tower of London. London: Historic Royal Palaces Agency, 1996.
Historic Royal Palaces. “The Tower of London” (accessed August 21, 2009)
The Tower of London, with a view of Traitor's Gate
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