The Tale of the White Tower

The Tower of London is world renowned; it is a popular tourist attraction that brings thousands of visitors to its walls every year. Its secrets and gruesome history have fascinated the public for centuries and it has held many roles in its time, such as a menagerie, the Royal Mint, a prison and a fortress. The most famous part of the Tower of London is the majestic White Tower that stands proudly at the centre, once protected by a vast moat and struck fear into the hearts of the nation. It is the one place within the tower that has been there since the very beginning.

 

William the Conqueror took the throne on Christmas day in 1066 and decided to build a tower in the centre of London, a few miles away from where the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate now stands; it would emphasise the strength of his power to the people of England and Europe; he hoped that it would ward off rebellion and invasion. The White Tower’s construction began in the 1070’s and was completed by 1100, just in time to use as a prison for Ranulf Flambard, the Bishop of Durham at that time. Even though it had been used as a prison, the main use for the White Tower was to store records and royal documents, however, in the 14th century, it had its first royal prisoner in the form of Richard II who abdicated there during his imprisonment. In the late 17th century, the original White Tower was demolished and, underneath the stairs, two children’s skeletons were found. These bones were thought to be the infamous Princes of the Tower who were murdered by their protector; he went on to become King Richard III.

 

The White Tower became an armoury in the 16th century and has held this role within its walls ever since, making it the oldest part of the Tower. It is so famous that many hotels around the city, including Paddington Hotels London, have names that represent the Tower’s long-lasting role.

 

The armoury, part of the historic Line of Kings attraction, can still be viewed today and showcases the armour of past monarchs such as King Henry VIII, King James I and King Charles I as well as a few oddities such as armours from the ‘Giant’ and the ‘Great Mogul’. As well as this, the Line of Kings also holds a breathtaking display of wooden horses which are just as old as the exhibition itself and an array of wooden heads that depicts the faces of Kings that have ruled Britain. It is a fascinating display and one that the whole family will enjoy.