Backpackers Guide to London
Tower of London
Backpackers' Guide to London's Tourist Information | Backpackers' Guide to London Tourist Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to London's Historical Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to Shopping in London | Backpackers' Guide to Sport in London | Backpackers' Guide to Entertainment in London | Backpackers' Guide to Food in London | Backpackers' Guide to London Museums Standing tall and steadfast, overlooking the rest of London City is the great Tower of London. Initially erected by William the Conqueror shortly after the Norman Conquest, this structure can actually be considered to be a continuous work in progress. Various English Monarchs repeatedly renovated and enlarged the structure back in the Middle Ages and throughout its existence. Thus, its various renovations help record the political movements, historical events, and architectural styles of various periods. The stronghold served as a fortress to protect and control the City of London during those days. It was also a royal residence for many successions of Kings and various personalities in the history of England, as well as a lasting visual symbol of royal authority over the land. In addition to this, the Tower of London also houses government offices, the Mint which was the treasury of the Crown Jewels, the state prison, an observatory, and interestingly, a zoo. In the centre of the Norman keep, stands the great building known as the White Tower which was the main building of the area. Right in front of it can be found a royal palace with private lodgings and a great hall for Royalty and their guests. It was customary at the time for would-be Kings to reside here for a while before coronation. A great waterway entrance from the River Thames known as The Water Gate was also incorporated later on. It was also once known as the Traitor’s Gate. It was Edward I, son of Henry VIII, who finalized and finished the construction of the Tower of London. According to the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments, The Tower of London is "the most valuable monument of Medieval military architecture surviving in England." By this, one can clearly note that a visit to this historical monument goes without question.
Introduction
Features
Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677
