History of the London Tower

Situated at the center of London, The Tower of London is one of the top attractions of Europe. It is also listed in the UNESCO’S world heritage site.

Have a look at the long and fascinating history of this royal fortress.

The Tower of London was founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror after the victory at Hastings. The fortress was made due to the purpose of subduing the inhabitants of London William’s men made the Tower of London by using the parts of the huge defensive Roman wall known as London wall.

Although the Tower was built as a Royal Palace but it serves as other surprising roles. King John built a royal menagerie there in 1204. He was given a consolation prize that year for losing Normandy.

The royal menagerie was fully established during the era of John’s son Henry III. In the 13th century, the mint was established and the tower became home of government records. Edward, I moved the mint at the Tower of London in 1279 for security purpose and remains here till 18th century.

Due to being the key to the capital, The London Tower always remained at the target of rebels and invaders. In June 1381, around 20,000 rebels marched on the capital and headed straight for the Tower of London. That notorious occasion is called the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 in history.

The Tower of London is famous for being a prison and execution in its history. From 1100 to 1952 about 8,000 people were incarcerated in its walls for crimes like murder, debt, robbery, and sorcery. One of the most notorious incidents happened in 1483 when Richard III murdered his nephews Edward and Richard in the tower for the throne.

The Tudor period was the era when churchmen and even the queens went to the block. In 1603, after the death of Queen Elizabeth I, the Tudor dynasty came to an end. But the tower of London remains as a place of imprisonment and terror.

By the end of the 20th century, it seemed that the role of London Tower as a prison and fortress is a thing of the past. But during World WarI and World War II Rudolf Hess, who was the right hand of Hitler was brought to London in May 1941 for the execution. The last persons who were hanging at the London Tower were notorious Kray twins in 1952 for not doing the national service.

Today, The Tower of London is a well-known tourist site in the world where millions of people visit every year.