LONDON WEEKEND BREAKS - Tower of London
The Tower of London is a perennial favourite with most visitors to London and it remains one of the oldest and most memorable attractions in the city. The Tower lies to the north of the river Thames on its thousand year old site and is easily reached from the city centre.
A brief history of the Tower of London
The original Tower of London dates back to the invasion and reign of William the Conqueror
in the 11th century when it was constructed from imported Norman stone. The Tower was intended to be a symbol of power for the new King and his followers and a deterrent to any Saxons contemplating an uprising.
Over time the Tower was amended and expanded and about a century after its initial completion a boundary wall, surrounded by a watery moat, increased the structures reputation as stronghold. Whoever held the Tower also held Norman Britain.
The importance and political significance of the Tower of London continued to increase and by the thirteenth century the Tower was the official home of the king. It provided residential buildings and was used for any royal and noble affairs, state banquets and other notable events.
By now the internal tower (or Keep building) was surrounded by an encapsulating and heavily fortified castle wall with an entrapping moat beyond that. In the context of the times, the castle was nothing short of impregnable.
Other uses of the Tower of London
During its thousand year existence the Tower of London has had a number of different uses. It has always been able to full fill its function as a royal home, but most notably it has also seen a second life as a royal prison, a home to traitors and a place of execution.
One of the most famous of the Tower's prisoners, and equally one of the few to leave with her head, was Queen Elisabeth I. At the time of her imprisonment she was nothing more than an illegitimate heir to the throne, and one with many enemies. However, in later life she herself would send others to the Tower and ultimately to their deaths.
Another important period in the Tower of London's history occurred after William Cromwell's successful overthrow of King Charles I when the Tower briefly became the seat of Britain's first democratic parliament. The parliament and its democracy were however soon replaced by Charles Ist's son as Cromwell's legacy and hopes for a democratic nation were put on hold for a couple more centuries.
Sightseeing at the Tower of London
Although the Tower's history remains documented by time, today it is best known for showcasing the British crown jewels. Many parts of the Royal Armouries previously "not displayed" collection can now be seen at the Leeds Royal Armouries museum, however the Crown Jewels an a number of other highly notable exhibits remain at the Tower of London.
The brightly coloured Beafeater guards, whose responsibility it is protect the Crown Jewels, have also gained a notoriety with tourists and most visitors to the to the Tower seek a photograph with one of these guardsmen.
The large flightless ravens have also gained a reputation that is synonymous with the Tower and it is only they and the guards who remain permanent residents of this castle complex.
Entry and location
The nearest tube station to the Tower of London is Tower Hill and there is an admission to the Tower and the Royal collection.