The Tower of London is one of the most iconic landmarks in England. Built in the 11th century, it served as a royal palace, a prison, an armory, and even a zoo.
With its impressive fortifications and strategic location on the River Thames, it has been a symbol of power and authority for centuries. But was the Tower of London ever attacked? The answer is yes – several times throughout its history.
The Norman Conquest
The Tower of London was first built by William the Conqueror in 1066 as part of his campaign to assert control over England. The original tower was made of wood and earthworks, but it was later replaced with stone walls and towers.
During the Norman Conquest, the Tower of London played a crucial role in securing William’s hold on England. However, it was not until 1078 that the tower was first attacked.
The Rebellion of 1078
In 1078, William’s half-brother Odo led a rebellion against him and seized control of the Tower of London. Odo had previously been imprisoned in the tower by William for his role in another rebellion. He managed to escape with the help of his allies and took refuge in the tower with his supporters.
William responded swiftly by laying siege to the tower and cutting off its supplies. After several weeks, Odo’s forces surrendered and he was once again imprisoned in the tower. This marked the first time that the Tower of London had been attacked and captured.
The Peasants’ Revolt
The next major attack on the Tower of London came during the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381. The revolt was sparked by widespread discontent among England’s lower classes over high taxes, low wages, and political corruption.
Attack by Rebels
On June 13, a group of rebels led by Wat Tyler marched on London and attacked the Tower of London. They were able to breach the outer defenses and set fire to several buildings, including the royal palace. However, they were unable to breach the inner defenses and gain control of the tower.
The rebellion was eventually crushed by King Richard II’s forces, but the attack on the Tower of London showed that even a well-fortified stronghold was not impervious to popular unrest.
The English Civil War
The next major attack on the Tower of London came during the English Civil War in 1649. The war was fought between supporters of King Charles I and supporters of Parliament, who ultimately won and executed Charles I for treason.
Attack by Parliamentarians
During the war, the Tower of London was held by Royalist forces. However, in June 1649, a group of Parliamentarian soldiers led by Colonel Thomas Harrison launched an attack on the tower. They were able to breach its defenses and capture it after a brief skirmish.
The capture of the Tower of London was a significant victory for Parliament and marked a turning point in the war. The tower remained under Parliamentary control for several years until Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660.
The Second World War
The last major attack on the Tower of London came during World War II. While England itself was not invaded by Germany during the war, London came under heavy bombardment from German planes during what became known as The Blitz.
Bombing by Germans
On September 18, 1940, German bombers Targeted central London and hit several buildings near the Tower of London. The Jewel House, which houses England’s crown jewels, was damaged but fortunately none of its contents were lost or damaged.
The attack on the Tower of London was part of a larger campaign by Germany to demoralize the British people and damage their infrastructure. However, the tower and its defenses stood strong and were not breached during the war.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tower of London has been attacked several times throughout its history. From rebellions to civil wars to world wars, it has faced threats from both within and without.
However, it has always managed to withstand these attacks thanks to its impressive fortifications and strategic location. Today, it stands as a testament to England’s rich history and enduring strength.