Most people have heard about the Tower of London, even if they haven't studied British history in-depth. It might be difficult for the outside or foreign observer to understand its cultural importance to the British, or its significance to Britain, as a whole. The Tower of London has played a political and social role since its beginning.
History
The Tower of London was built in 1066-1067, by William the Conquerer, using the old Roman walls as a loose blue-print. It was built for protection, but it was also built to control the city. The only part of the original Norman design is the White Tower.
History
The Tower of London was built in 1066-1067, by William the Conquerer, using the old Roman walls as a loose blue-print. It was built for protection, but it was also built to control the city. The only part of the original Norman design is the White Tower.
Functions
The Tower of London has served nearly every possible purpose: an arsenal, a prison, a palace, a fortress and was once home to a zoo. It's most well-known for the prison, which housed many famous historical figures (See Additional Resources).
Famous Ties
There were many notables who stayed or were imprisoned in the Tower of London. Thomas Cromwell the philosopher, Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes (the legend behind the November 5 British celebration) and the last prisoner in 1941 was Rudolf Hess, a Nazi.
Features
The Tower of London is considered to be one of the most well-protected and safest fortresses built. It's been used for the Royal Mint in the past, and is used to protect the Crown Jewels to this day.
Tudor Influence
Henry the VIII did his fair share of making sure the Tower of London was full of prisoners (and wives), but the Tudors also made other changes. Royalty used to live in the Tower before being coronated. The Tudors only stayed the night before coronation. There might be some graffiti, which happened under Mary I (Bloody Mary), while Lady Jane Grey was imprisoned. It's assumed the "Jane" carved into one of the walls was for her.
The Tower of London has served nearly every possible purpose: an arsenal, a prison, a palace, a fortress and was once home to a zoo. It's most well-known for the prison, which housed many famous historical figures (See Additional Resources).
Famous Ties
There were many notables who stayed or were imprisoned in the Tower of London. Thomas Cromwell the philosopher, Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes (the legend behind the November 5 British celebration) and the last prisoner in 1941 was Rudolf Hess, a Nazi.
Features
The Tower of London is considered to be one of the most well-protected and safest fortresses built. It's been used for the Royal Mint in the past, and is used to protect the Crown Jewels to this day.
Tudor Influence
Henry the VIII did his fair share of making sure the Tower of London was full of prisoners (and wives), but the Tudors also made other changes. Royalty used to live in the Tower before being coronated. The Tudors only stayed the night before coronation. There might be some graffiti, which happened under Mary I (Bloody Mary), while Lady Jane Grey was imprisoned. It's assumed the "Jane" carved into one of the walls was for her.
