The Tower of London was originally built by William the Conqueror, as part of his successful invasion of England in 1066.
The Tower of London is better known as a prison. The prisoners would be brought, via the river, from Westminster where they would have been tried and crowds would wait on the river bank to find out the verdict to see if they would be treated to the spectacle of a public execution. The executioner, with his long sharp axe would stand behind the accused on the boat. If the accused was guilty he would point his axe towards the victim and if not guilty he would point it away. People knew that if found guilty there would be a public execution 48 hours later.
The Tower of London is better known as a prison. The prisoners would be brought, via the river, from Westminster where they would have been tried and crowds would wait on the river bank to find out the verdict to see if they would be treated to the spectacle of a public execution. The executioner, with his long sharp axe would stand behind the accused on the boat. If the accused was guilty he would point his axe towards the victim and if not guilty he would point it away. People knew that if found guilty there would be a public execution 48 hours later.
Many people have been locked in the Tower, for religious beliefs or suspected treason. Famous prisoners have included Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleighand Elizabeth I.
Many Tudor's prisoners entered the Tower of London through the Traitors' Gate.
Many Tudor's prisoners entered the Tower of London through the Traitors' Gate.
As well as being a palace and a fortress, the Tower of London has also served as:
the first Royal Armoury
Royal Mint (where money is made)
Royal Observatory
Royal Zoo
Today the Tower of London houses the Crown Jewels and is open to the public as a museum.
the first Royal Armoury
Royal Mint (where money is made)
Royal Observatory
Royal Zoo
Today the Tower of London houses the Crown Jewels and is open to the public as a museum.
Ravens have lived at the Tower of London for hundreds of years. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London the White Tower will crumble and a great disaster shall befall England.