Oscar De La Huerte answered
The Tower of London was originally built in 1066 by William the Conqueror.
Although the tower is now a postcard favorite, used on every possible form of tourist merchandise, it was once a bitterly-resented symbol of the Norman rulers who conquered England.
Although the tower is now a postcard favorite, used on every possible form of tourist merchandise, it was once a bitterly-resented symbol of the Norman rulers who conquered England.
History of the Tower of London
If there is one sight in London that every visitor wants to see, it is the Tower. The history and grandeur of England seems to be present wherever you turn.
The spot where the Tower now stands was probably originally the site of an ancient fort. A fortress also stood there during both Roman and Saxon times, but it wasn't until 1066 that the Norman invaders of England (who crossed the Channel from France) decided to begin work on the Tower of London as we know it today.
It's thought that William the Conqueror was responsible for the construction of the White Tower in 1078. The White Tower is known as a 'keep' in medieval castle-building terms - and is meant to be the strongest part of a castle.
The builders that William brought in must have done a good job because, as it stands, the White Tower is the oldest part of the present fortress, with most of the other buildings having been put up during the reign of Henry III (1216-72).
Throughout history the Tower of London has served a number of different uses, including being an armoury; a treasury; a prison; a menagerie, and the home of the Crown Jewels to name a few.
In modern times, the Tower of London is still maintained as an arsenal and, during the two World Wars, it was again used as a prison. It occupies a site on the old City of London and covers an area of about 5 hectares.
The spot where the Tower now stands was probably originally the site of an ancient fort. A fortress also stood there during both Roman and Saxon times, but it wasn't until 1066 that the Norman invaders of England (who crossed the Channel from France) decided to begin work on the Tower of London as we know it today.
It's thought that William the Conqueror was responsible for the construction of the White Tower in 1078. The White Tower is known as a 'keep' in medieval castle-building terms - and is meant to be the strongest part of a castle.
The builders that William brought in must have done a good job because, as it stands, the White Tower is the oldest part of the present fortress, with most of the other buildings having been put up during the reign of Henry III (1216-72).
Throughout history the Tower of London has served a number of different uses, including being an armoury; a treasury; a prison; a menagerie, and the home of the Crown Jewels to name a few.
In modern times, the Tower of London is still maintained as an arsenal and, during the two World Wars, it was again used as a prison. It occupies a site on the old City of London and covers an area of about 5 hectares.
Defending the Tower of London
While there is a garrison of regular soldiers assigned to the Tower, the most commonly photographed people tourists will see at the Tower are the "Beefeaters".
These are also known as Yeomen Warders - a body of about 40 men specially chosen for the task of defending the Tower. They wear a highly-recognisable uniform which is said to date back to the time of Edward VI. If you're wondering about the reason they are known as "Beefeaters" its because they were historically served up beef rations every day, probably to keep their protein in-take up!
These are also known as Yeomen Warders - a body of about 40 men specially chosen for the task of defending the Tower. They wear a highly-recognisable uniform which is said to date back to the time of Edward VI. If you're wondering about the reason they are known as "Beefeaters" its because they were historically served up beef rations every day, probably to keep their protein in-take up!
