The elegant White Tower is one of the most important buildings in London. Situated on the north bank of the Thames it is a a World Heritage Site. The Tower of London complex was built as a castle and royal residence by William the Conquer after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. At its heart is the White Tower, which gives the area its name ‘Tower Hill’. The White Tower was one of William’s first castles built in the UK as part of his strategy of domination. From the start it was seen by the ruling elite as a symbol of oppression.
Over its history the Tower has had various functions including a prison. Elizabeth the First was briefly held here as were the infamous 15th century ‘Princes in the Tower’ - the brothers King Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. The princes disappeared from the Tower presumed murdered. The Tower's use as a prison has given rise to the saying "sent to the Tower".
It is thought that King John kept wild animals at the Tower including lions! During the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 the Tower of London was besieged with King Richard inside culminating in the Jewel House being raided. On the coronation of a monarch, from the early part of the 14th century up until the 17th century during the reign of King Charles II, a procession would be led from the Tower to Westminster Abbey. ROyal connections remain today - in fact the official name of the Tower of London is 'Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London'.
The buildings have also been used as an Armoury, Royal Mint and home of the Crown Jewels. The Jewels are still on display today. The visitor can also enjoy meeting the Yeoman Warders generally known as the Beefeaters. They are the ceremonial guards of the Tower. They are responsible for the safety of the Crown Jewels and in the past they looked after prisoners in the Tower.
These days the Beefeaters give guided tours of the Tower and are a fountain of knowledge about the buildings and their history. Another important Beefeater roll is that of Ravenmaster. This role ensures the welfare of the ravens. This is an important function as the legend says that if the ravens leave the Tower, the Tower will fall and disaster will befall the kingdom.
From the Tudor period, the Tower's use as a royal residence stated to fall into decline and from the mid 16th century onwards, the Tower was only used as a royal residence when its and historic and political symbolism was deemed convenient.
The Tower is made up of several buildings set within a ring of defensive walls and a moat. There are three enclosures, known as wards, the central (and oldest) containing the White Tower. The inner ward encircles this area and was built under Richard I. The outer ward encompasses the castle and was built during the reign of Edward I. 19th century additions to the complex were built in the Gothis Revival archectural style of the period. Examples of these buildings include the Waterloo Barracks and the Horse Armoury.
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