London, the capital of England, is one of the most iconic cities in the world. It is filled with numerous attractions that attract visitors from all over the globe. One such attraction that stands out in London’s skyline is the Tower of London.
The Tower of London, also known as 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. It was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The tower complex consists of four towers – The White Tower, The Bloody Tower, The Bell Tower, and The Beauchamp Tower.
The White Tower
The White Tower is at the heart of the tower complex and is arguably its most recognizable structure. Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it was originally intended to be a royal palace rather than a defensive fortress. However, over time it has been used for various purposes such as a treasury, an armory- where weapons were stored- and even a zoo.
The tower gets its name from its white stone exterior which was added during renovations in 1240. Inside, visitors can see displays of armor and weaponry used by medieval knights and soldiers.
The Bloody Tower
The Bloody Tower is infamous for its association with some dark events in English history. It was built around 1220 as part of King Henry III’s renovation plan for the castle. However, it gained notoriety after being associated with some gruesome events that took place during Tudor times.
One such event was when two young princes – Edward V and his younger brother Richard – were held captive here by their uncle Richard III who later had them executed on his way to becoming king himself.
The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower stands between two walls running parallel to each other which were built during the reign of Richard II. It gets its name from the bell that is housed inside, which was used to summon the warders and sound the alarm in case of an attack.
Today, visitors can climb up to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of London.
The Beauchamp Tower
The Beauchamp Tower was built in 1281 during the reign of Edward I. It was originally called the ‘New Wardrobe Tower’ as it was used to store royal garments and jewels. However, it came to be known as Beauchamp Tower after Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick was imprisoned here in 1397.
The tower is famous for its graffiti which was etched into the walls by prisoners who were held here over the centuries. These inscriptions are a poignant reminder of the human stories behind this historic building.
- In conclusion, each of these four towers has a unique story to tell about London’s rich history. From royal palaces to gruesome prisons, they have served various purposes over time and stand testament to London’s past.
- So, if you’re planning a trip to London, make sure you include a visit to The Tower of London on your itinerary. It’s a must-see attraction that will take you on a journey through time and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
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