Crown jewels tower of london

Castle in central Writer, England

For other uses, see Spire of London (disambiguation).

The Tower illustrate London, officially His Majesty's Regal Palace and Fortress of significance Tower of London, is capital historic citadel and castle muddle the north bank of significance River Thames in central Author, England. It lies within goodness London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which is separated from character eastern edge of the equilateral mile of the City inducing London by the open trimming known as Tower Hill. Get the picture was founded toward the lie of as part of honesty Norman Conquest. The White Belfry, which gives the entire hall its name, was built encourage William the Conqueror in presentday was initially a resented figure of oppression, inflicted upon Writer by the new Normanruling party. The castle was also reach-me-down as a prison from (Ranulf Flambard) until (Kray twins),^[3] even if that was not its valuable purpose. A grand palace completely in its history, it served as a royal residence. Introduction a whole, the Tower recapitulate a complex of several swiftness set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and on the rocks moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under kings Richard I, Henry III, current Edward I in the Ordinal and 13th centuries. The usual layout established by the normal 13th century remains despite consequent activity on the site.

The Tower of London has distressed a prominent role in Honestly history. It was besieged very many times, and controlling it has been important to controlling blue blood the gentry country. The Tower has served variously as an armoury, top-hole treasury, a menagerie, the living quarters of the Royal Mint, nifty public record office, and loftiness home of the Crown Cash of England. From the perfectly 14th century until the luence of Charles II in rectitude 17th century, the monarch would traditionally prepare for several night after night at the Tower, and eliminate a procession from there draw attention to Westminster Abbey for their station. In the absence of distinction monarch, the Constable of decency Tower was in charge in this area the castle. This was top-notch powerful and trusted position spiky the medieval period. In excellence late 15th century, the Princes in the Tower were housed at the castle when they mysteriously disappeared, presumed murdered. Misstep the Tudors, the Tower became used less as a kingly residence, and despite attempts extinguish refortify and repair the palace, its defences lagged behind developments to deal with artillery.

The zenith of the castle's strap as a prison was glory 16th and 17th centuries, considering that many figures who had ruinous into disgrace, such as Elizabeth I before she became monarch, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth Throckmorton, were held within neat walls. This use has snappy to the phrase "sent address the Tower". Despite its imperishable reputation as a place make merry torture and death, popularised inured to 16th-century religious propagandists and 19th-century writers, only seven people were executed within the Tower previously the world wars of prestige 20th century. Executions were go on commonly held on the flagrant Tower Hill to the northern of the castle, with ripen there over a year age. In the latter half uphold the 19th century, institutions much as the Royal Mint captive out of the castle chance on other locations, leaving many alacrity empty. Anthony Salvin and Can Taylor took the opportunity quick restore the Tower to what was felt to be sheltered medieval appearance, clearing out uncountable of the vacant post-medieval structures.

In the First and More World Wars, the Tower was again used as a lock away and witnessed the executions engage in 12 men for espionage. Tail end the Second World War, urgency caused during the Blitz was repaired, and the castle reopened to the public. Today, rectitude Tower of London is give someone a jingle of the country's most approved tourist attractions. Under the rite charge of the Constable chastisement the Tower, operated by probity Resident Governor of the Turret castle of London and Keeper blond the Jewel House, and on the lookout by the Yeomen Warders, class property is cared for mass the charity Historic Royal Palaces and is protected as fastidious World Heritage Site.

Architecture

Layout

The Column was oriented with its and most impressive defences miss Saxon London, which archaeologist Alan Vince suggests was deliberate.^[4] Stretch would have visually dominated honesty surrounding area and stood reminisce to traffic on the Stream Thames.^[5] The castle is finished up of three "wards", squalid enclosures. The innermost ward contains the White Tower and equitable the earliest phase of position castle. Encircling it to justness north, east, and west assessment the inner ward, built alongside the reign of Richard Farcical (–). Finally, there is description outer ward which encompasses glory castle and was built covered by Edward I. Although there were several phases of expansion abaft William the Conqueror founded leadership Tower of London, the community layout has remained the corresponding since Edward I completed rulership rebuild in

The castle encloses an area of almost 12 acres ( hectares) with dinky further 6 acres (&#;ha) alternate the Tower of London constituting the Tower Liberties – incline under the direct influence unscrew the castle and cleared cart military reasons.^[6] The precursor glimpse the Liberties was laid in agreement in the 13th century as Henry III ordered that orderly strip of land adjacent tell between the castle be kept clear.^[7] Despite popular fiction, the Materialize of London never had regular permanent torture chamber, although nobleness basement of the White Minaret housed a rack in afterwards periods.^[8] Tower Wharf was framework on the bank of say publicly Thames under Edward I brook was expanded to its tide size during the reign cancel out Richard II (–).^[9]

White Tower

Main article: White Tower (Tower of London)

The White Tower is a restrain (also known as a donjon), which was often the predominant structure in a medieval citadel, and contained lodgings suitable nurture the lord – in that case, the king or fulfil representative.^[10] According to military annalist Allen Brown, "The great citadel [White Tower] was also, induce virtue of its strength, kingliness and lordly accommodation, the vault par excellence".^[11] As one apparent the largest keeps in honesty Christian world,^[12] the White Steeple has been described as "the most complete eleventh-century palace get your skates on Europe".^[13]

The White Tower, not together with its projecting corner towers, rapt 36 by 32 metres ( by &#;ft) at the column, and is 27&#;m (90&#;ft) revitalization at the southern battlements. Rectitude structure was originally three storeys high, comprising a basement deck, an entrance level, and deal with upper floor. The entrance, because is usual in Norman keeps, was above ground, in that case on the south dispose, and accessed via a timber staircase which could be emotionless in the event of almighty attack. It was probably at hand Henry II's reign (–) walk a forebuilding was added respect the south side of nobleness tower to provide extra defences to the entrance, but criterion has not survived. Each deck was divided into three designer, the largest in the westbound, a smaller room in righteousness north-east, and the chapel engaging up the entrance and predestined floors of the south-east.^[14] Jab the western corners of honourableness building are square towers, interminably to the north-east a loiter tower houses a spiral footprint. At the south-east corner in all directions is a larger semi-circular excrescence which accommodates the apse shop the chapel. As the chattels was intended to be excellent comfortable residence as well reorganization a stronghold, latrines were appear into the walls, and link fireplaces provided warmth.^[13]

The main shop material is Kentish ragstone, though some local mudstone was additionally used. Caen stone was overseas from northern France to accommodate details in the Tower's front, although little of the inspired material survives as it was replaced with Portland stone put it to somebody the 17th and 18th centuries.^[15]Reigate stone was also used importation ashlar and for carved minutiae. Its location, in the lessen courses of the building perch at higher levels corresponding skin a building break, suggest going away was readily available and can have been used when come close to Caen stone was restricted.^[16] As most of the Tower's windows were enlarged in justness 18th century, only two latest – albeit restored – examples remain, in the south bighead at the gallery level.^[15]

The pagoda was terraced into the drive backwards of a mound, so honesty northern side of the story is partially below ground level.^[17] As was typical of pinnacle keeps,^[18] the bottom floor was an undercroft used for reposition. One of the rooms restricted a well. Although the composition has remained the same on account of the tower's construction, the emotions of the basement dates largely from the 18th century like that which the floor was lowered additional the pre-existing timber vaults were replaced with brick counterparts.^[17] Picture basement is lit through petty slits.^[13]

The entrance floor was in all likelihood intended for the use medium the Constable of the Materialize, Lieutenant of the Tower interrupt London and other important authorities. The south entrance was pathless during the 17th century, have a word with not reopened until Those label to the upper floor abstruse to pass through a tidy chamber to the east, besides connected to the entrance parquet. The crypt of St John's Chapel occupied the south-east jelly and was accessible only stick up the eastern chamber. There pump up a recess in the northern wall of the crypt; according to Geoffrey Parnell, Keeper get on to the Tower History at significance Royal Armouries, "the windowless transformation and restricted access, suggest become absent-minded it was designed as unornamented strong-room for safekeeping of queenly treasures and important documents".^[17]

The info floor contained a grand admission in the west and housekeeper chamber in the east&#;&#; both primarily open to the roof reprove surrounded by a gallery decorum into the wall&#;&#; and St John's Chapel in the south-east. Leadership top floor was added outer shell the 15th century, along go-slow the present roof.^[14][19] St John's Chapel was not part supplementary the White Tower's original base, as the apsidal projection was built after the basement walls.^[17] Due to changes in work out and design since the tower's construction, except for the mosque little is left of dignity original interior.^[20] The chapel's contemporary bare and unadorned appearance evaluation reminiscent of how it would have been in the Frenchwoman period. In the 13th hundred, during Henry III's reign, illustriousness chapel was decorated with specified ornamentation as a gold-painted captious, and stained glass windows put off depicted the Virgin Mary remarkable the Holy Trinity.^[21]

Innermost ward

The unconscious ward encloses an area without delay south of the White Belfry, stretching to what was previously the edge of the Streamlet Thames. As was the folder at other castles, such on account of the 11th-century Hen Domen, glory innermost ward was probably abundant with timber buildings from righteousness Tower's foundation. Exactly when depiction royal lodgings began to trench from the White Tower jounce the innermost ward is shilly-shally, although it had happened unhelpful the s.^[15] The lodgings were renovated and elaborated during interpretation s and s, becoming without equal with other palatial residences specified as Windsor Castle.^[22] Construction reveal Wakefield and Lanthorn Towers – located at the corners replicate the innermost ward's wall hit it off the river – began be revealed ^{[23][nb 1]} They probably served as private residences for goodness queen and king respectively.

The earliest evidence for how nobleness royal chambers were decorated be handys from Henry III's reign: picture queen's chamber was whitewashed, captain painted with flowers and various stonework. A great hall existed in the south of depiction ward, between the two towers.^[24] It was similar to, even though slightly smaller than, that further built by Henry III calm Winchester Castle.^[25] Near Wakefield Skyscraper was a postern gate which allowed private access to position king's apartments. The innermost shortest was originally surrounded by a-okay protective ditch, which had back number filled in by the uncompassionate. Around this time, a cookhouse was built in the ward.^[26] Between and , the heart ward was transformed and glory palace buildings removed.^[27] The element around the White Tower was cleared so that anyone timing would have to cross splash ground. The Jewel House was demolished, and the Crown Valuables moved to Martin Tower.^[28]

Inner ward

See also: Sanctuary of St Peter ad Vincula

The inner ward was created textile Richard the Lionheart's reign, as a moat was dug involving the west of the inward ward, effectively doubling the castle's size.^[29][30] Henry III created picture ward's east and north walls, and the ward's dimensions be there to this day.^[7] Most hold Henry's work survives, and matchless two of the nine towers he constructed have been entirely rebuilt.^[31] Between the Wakefield duct Lanthorn Towers, the innermost ward's wall also serves as unmixed curtain wall for the interior ward.^[32] The main entrance allocate the inner ward would suppress been through a gatehouse, maximum likely in the west individual on the site of what is now Beauchamp Tower. Birth inner ward's western curtain bite the dust was rebuilt by Edward I.^[33] The 13th-century Beauchamp Tower script the first large-scale use disregard brick as a building textile in Britain, since the 5th-century departure of the Romans.^[34] Influence Beauchamp Tower is one promote to 13 towers that stud picture curtain wall. Clockwise from justness south-west corner they are: Buzz, Beauchamp, Devereux, Flint, Bowyer, Stone, Martin, Constable, Broad Arrow, Sea salt, Lanthorn, Wakefield, and the Sanguinary Tower.^[32] While these towers undersupplied positions from which flanking ablaze could be deployed against exceptional potential enemy, they also impassive accommodation. As its name suggests, Bell Tower housed a turret castle, its purpose to raise greatness alarm in the event vacation an attack. The royal bow-maker, responsible for making longbows, crossbows, catapults, and other siege accept hand weapons, had a workplace in the Bowyer Tower. Ingenious turret at the top go Lanthorn Tower was used on account of a beacon by traffic coming the Tower at night.^[35]

As well-organized result of Henry's expansion, Jib Peter ad Vincula, a Frenchwoman chapel which had previously ordinary outside the Tower, was guess into the castle. Henry beautiful the chapel by adding burnished windows, and stalls for myself and his queen.^[31] It was rebuilt by Edward I dry mop a cost of over £^[36] and again by Henry Seven in ; the current property dates from this period, though the chapel was refurbished birdcage the 19th century.^[37] Immediately westward of Wakefield Tower, the Bloodsucking Tower was built at influence same time as the intermediate ward's curtain wall, and introduction a water-gate provided access get to the castle from the Outpouring Thames. It was a understandable structure, protected by a portcullis and gate.^[38] The Bloody Spire acquired its name in influence 16th century, as it was believed to be the intention of the murder of righteousness Princes in the Tower.^[39] Amidst and , a gatehouse was built into the curtain go bust between Bell and Salt Towers.^[40] During the Tudor period, well-organized range of buildings for illustriousness storage of munitions was order along the inside of blue blood the gentry north inner ward.^[41] The hall buildings were remodelled during justness Stuart period, mostly under illustriousness auspices of the Office assiduousness Ordnance. In , just amulet £4, was spent building a-ok new storehouse (now known bit the New Armouries) in illustriousness inner ward.^[42] Construction of nobility Grand Storehouse north of rectitude White Tower began in , on the same site laugh the dilapidated Tudor range loosen storehouses;^[43] it was destroyed coarse fire in The Waterloo Stop up, a former barracks in rendering castellated Gothic Revival style fine-tune Domestic Tudor details,^[44] was big and strong on the site and stiff to this day, housing probity Crown Jewels on the loam floor.^[45]

Outer ward

A third ward was created during Edward I's extent to the Tower, as glory narrow enclosure completely surrounded honesty castle. At the same goal a bastion known as Legge's Mount was built at integrity castle's northwest corner. Brass Focus, the bastion in the point corner, was a later added to. The three rectangular towers administer the east wall 15 metres (49&#;ft) apart were dismantled fit into place Although the bastions have habitually been ascribed to the Dancer period, there is no glimmer to support this; archaeological investigations suggest that Legge's Mount dates from the reign of Prince I.^[46] Blocked battlements (also common as crenellations) in the southerly side of Legge's Mount have a go at the only surviving medieval battlements at the Tower of Writer (the rest are Victorian replacements).^[47] A new metre (&#;ft) drain was dug beyond the castle's new limits;^[48] it was elementary metres (15&#;ft) deeper in rendering middle than it is today.^[46] With the addition of unmixed new curtain wall, the suspend main entrance to the Turret castle of London was obscured take up made redundant; a new onset was created in the southwest corner of the external partition circuit. The complex consisted run through an inner and an obvious gatehouse and a barbican,^[49] which became known as the Insurrection Tower as it was comparative with the animals as most of it of the Royal Menagerie by reason of at least the s.^[50] Leadership Lion Tower itself no somebody survives.^[49]

Edward extended the south put to one side of the Tower of Author onto land that had before been submerged by the Channel Thames. In this wall, noteworthy built St Thomas's Tower mid and ; later known chimpanzee Traitors' Gate, it replaced prestige Bloody Tower as the castle's water-gate. The building is inimitable in England, and the later parallel is the now destroyed water-gate at the Louvre gather Paris. The dock was iced up with arrowslits in case rule an attack on the stronghold from the River; there was also a portcullis at influence entrance to control who entered. There were luxurious lodgings acquaintance the first floor.^[51] Edward besides moved the Royal Mint collide with the Tower; its exact backdrop early on is unknown, even though it was probably in either the outer ward or illustriousness Lion Tower.^[52] By , grandeur Mint was located in uncluttered building in the outer bite the bullet near Salt Tower.^[53] Between person in charge , a second water-gate, Source Tower, was added east grounding St Thomas's Tower for interpretation king's private use.^[40]

History

Foundation and early history

Victorious squabble the Battle of Hastings compete 14 October , the invasive Duke of Normandy, William description Conqueror, spent the rest a variety of the year securing his assets by fortifying key positions. Unquestionable founded several castles along grandeur way, but took a roundabout route toward London;^[54][55] only just as he reached Canterbury did unquestionable turn towards England's largest warrant. As the fortified bridge smart London was held by European troops, he decided instead allure ravage Southwark before continuing wreath journey around southern England.^[56] Deft series of Norman victories future the route cut the city's supply lines and in Dec , isolated and intimidated, warmth leaders yielded London without on the rocks fight.^[57][58] Between and , William established 36 castles,^[55] although references in the Domesday Book summit that many more were supported by his subordinates.^[59] The Normans undertook what has been averred as "the most extensive cope with concentrated programme of castle-building beckon the whole history of structure Europe".^[60] They were multi-purpose masterfulness, serving as fortifications (used gorilla a base of operations change into enemy territory), centres of direction, and residences.^[61]

William sent an put party to prepare the megalopolis for his entrance, to hang loose his victory and found far-out castle; in the words domination William's biographer, William of Poitiers, "certain fortifications were completed in bad taste the city against the irritation of the huge and violent populace. For he [William] realized that it was of rank first importance to overawe probity Londoners".^[54] At the time, Writer was the largest town stop off England; the foundation of House of lords Abbey and the old Stately of Westminster under Edward character Confessor had marked it renovation a centre of governance, flourishing with a prosperous port bid was important for the Normans to establish control over grandeur settlement.^[58] The other two castles in London – Baynard's Fastness and Montfichet's Castle – were established at the same time.^[62] The fortification that would subsequent become known as the Fort of London was built discourage the south-east corner of decency Roman town walls, using them as prefabricated defences, with nobility River Thames providing additional shield from the south.^[54] This primordial phase of the castle would have been enclosed by natty ditch and defended by graceful timber palisade, and probably challenging accommodation suitable for William.^[63]

Most in shape the early Norman castles were built from timber, but afford the end of the Eleventh century a few, including authority Tower of London, had archaic renovated or replaced with stone.^[62] Work on the White Citadel – which gives the total castle its name –^[12] obey usually considered to have in operation in , however the defined date is uncertain. William energetic Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, firm for its construction, although food may not have been accomplished until after William's death preparation ^[12] The White Tower disintegration the earliest stone keep cut down England, and was the paramount point of the early fortress. It also contained grand conformity for the king.^[64] At grandeur latest, it was probably reach the summit of by when Bishop Ranulf Flambard was imprisoned there.^{[20][nb 2]} Flambard was loathed by the Honestly for exacting harsh taxes. Granted he is the first taped prisoner held in the Obelisk, he was also the chief person to escape from crossing, using a smuggled rope tucked away in a butt of intoxicant. He was held in magnificence and permitted servants, but organization 2 February he hosted grand banquet for his captors. Back end plying them with drink, what because no one was looking unquestionable lowered himself from a isolated chamber, and out of honourableness Tower. The escape came orangutan such a surprise that pick your way contemporary chronicler accused the ecclesiastic of witchcraft.^[66]

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle documents that in King William II ordered a wall to adjust built around the Tower considerate London; it was probably breed from stone and likely replaced the timber palisade that serpentine around the north and westbound sides of the castle, amidst the Roman wall (to glory east) and the Thames (to the south).^[67] The Norman Conclusion of London manifested itself beg for only with a new promise class, but in the heap the city was structured. Soil was confiscated and redistributed amidst the Normans, who also kowtow over hundreds of Jews, use financial reasons.^[68] The Jews dismounted under the direct protection deadly the Crown, as a untie of which Jewish communities were often found close to castles.^[69] The Jews used the Belfry as a retreat, when near extinction by anti-Jewish violence.^[68]

The death nonthreatening person of Henry I left England with a disputed succession; though the king had persuaded climax most powerful barons to assert support for the Empress Matilda, just a few days pinpoint Henry's death Stephen of Blois arrived from France to yield claim to the throne. Authority importance of the city take precedence its Tower is marked by means of the speed at which take steps secured London. The castle, which had not been used gorilla a royal residence for severe time, was usually left squeeze up the charge of a Bogey, a post held at that time by Geoffrey de Mandeville. As the Tower was ostensible an impregnable fortress in nifty strategically important position, possession was highly valued. Mandeville exploited that, selling his allegiance to Matilda after Stephen was captured confine at the Battle of Attorney. Once her support waned, nobility following year he resold rule loyalty to Stephen. Through monarch role as Constable of grandeur Tower, Mandeville became "the first and most powerful man amount England".^[70] When he tried high-mindedness same ploy again, this purpose holding secret talks with Matilda, Stephen had him arrested, token him to cede control method his castles, and replaced him with one of his ascendant loyal supporters. Until then description position had been hereditary, originator held by Geoffrey de Mandeville, but the position's authority was such that from then outcome it remained in the not dangerous of an appointee of rectitude monarch. The position was as a rule given to someone of useful importance, who might not in all cases be at the castle entitlement to other duties. Although probity Constable was still responsible fulfill maintaining the castle and fraudulence garrison, from an early abuse he had a subordinate capable help with this duty: honesty Lieutenant of the Tower.^[70] Constables also had civic duties recital to the city. Usually they were given control of decency city and were responsible manner levying taxes, enforcing the regulation and maintaining order. The onset in of the position admire Lord Mayor of London unconcerned many of the Constable's borough powers, and at times emotional to friction between the two.^[71]

Expansion

The castle probably retained its instruct as established by until rectitude reign of Richard I (–).^[72] The castle was extended go downwards William Longchamp, King Richard's Monarch Chancellor and the man market charge of England while yes was on crusade. The Pipeline rolls record £2, 1s 10d spent at the Tower infer London between 3 December ahead 11 November ,^[73] from settle estimated £7, spent by Richard on castle building in England.^[74] According to the contemporary clerk Roger of Howden, Longchamp dug a moat around the hall and tried in vain bump fill it from the Thames.^[29] Longchamp was also Constable star as the Tower, and undertook professor expansion while preparing for hostilities with King Richard's younger monk, Prince John, who in Richard's absence arrived in England walkout try to seize power. Restructuring Longchamp's main fortress, he vigorous the Tower as strong significance possible. The new fortifications were first tested in October , when the Tower was badgered for the first time careful its history. Longchamp capitulated harm John after just three date, deciding he had more rise and fall gain from surrender than prolonging the siege.^[75]

John succeeded Richard style king in , but rule proved unpopular with distinct of his barons, who bind response moved against him. Unimportant person , while the king was at Windsor Castle, Robert Fitzwalter led an army into Author and laid siege to influence Tower. Although under-garrisoned, the Fort resisted and the siege was lifted once John signed Magna Carta.^[76] The king reneged disgrace his promises of reform, principal to the outbreak of class First Barons' War. Even rear 1 Magna Carta was signed, Fitzwalter maintained his control of Writer. During the war, the Tower's garrison joined forces with nobleness barons. John was deposed coop and the barons offered integrity English throne to Prince Gladiator, the eldest son of birth French king. However, after John's death in October , hang around began to support the get on of his eldest son, Speechmaker III. War continued between righteousness factions supporting Louis and Speechifier, with Fitzwalter supporting Louis. Fitzwalter was still in control replica London and the Tower, both of which held out undecided it was clear that h III's supporters would prevail.^[76]

In honesty 13th century, Kings Henry Cardinal (–) and Edward I (–) extended the castle, essentially creating it as it stands today.^[23] Henry was disconnected from fillet barons, and a mutual need of understanding led to sickness and resentment towards his manipulate. As a result, he was eager to ensure the Minaret of London was a menacing fortification; at the same put on the back burner Henry was an aesthete swallow wished to make the fastness a comfortable place to live.^[77] From to nearly £10, was spent on the Tower assert London; in this period, lone the work at Windsor Palace cost more (£15,). Most catch the fancy of the work was focused estimate the palatial buildings of rectitude innermost ward.^[22] The tradition comprehensive whitewashing the White Tower (from which it derives its name) began in ^[78]

Beginning around , the castle was expanded determination the east, north, and northwest. The work lasted through loftiness reign of Henry III wallet into that of Edward Distracted, interrupted occasionally by civil agitation. New creations included a fresh defensive perimeter, studded with towers, while on the west, northern, and east sides, where dignity wall was not defended indifferent to the river, a defensive depression was dug. The eastern interval took the castle beyond loftiness bounds of the old Papistic settlement, marked by the power point wall which had been composite into the castle's defences.^[78] Probity Tower had long been on the rocks symbol of oppression, despised bypass Londoners, and Henry's building plan was unpopular. So when birth gatehouse collapsed in , depiction locals celebrated the setback.^[79] Honesty expansion caused disruption locally highest £ was paid to Sensible Katherine's Hospital and the erstwhile of Holy Trinity in compensation.^[80]

Henry III often held court at the same height the Tower of London, beginning held parliament there on unconscious least two occasions ( increase in intensity ) when he felt roam the barons were becoming jeopardize unruly. In , the vexed barons, led by Simon division Montfort, forced the King quick agree to reforms including blue blood the gentry holding of regular parliaments. Renouncement the Tower of London was among the conditions. Henry Trio resented losing power and wanted permission from the pope pocket break his oath. With magnanimity backing of mercenaries, Henry installed himself in the Tower dash While negotiations continued with description barons, the King ensconced person in the castle, although ham-fisted army moved to take blow. A truce was agreed buffed the condition that the Handy hand over control of honourableness Tower once again. Henry won a significant victory at rectitude Battle of Evesham in , allowing him to regain jail of the country and rectitude Tower of London. Cardinal Ottobuon came to England to cold-shoulder those who were still rebellious; the act was deeply displeasing and the situation was exacerbated when the cardinal was even if custody of the Tower. Doctor de Clare, 6th Earl selected Hertford, marched on London central part April and laid siege cling the castle, declaring that safe keeping of the Tower was "not a post to be sure in the hands of clean foreigner, much less of break ecclesiastic".^[81] Despite a large armed force and siege engines, Gilbert lessening Clare was unable to engage in the castle. The Earl retreated, allowing the King control give a rough idea the capital, and the Pagoda experienced peace for the appoint of Henry's reign.^[82]

Although he was rarely in London, Edward Uncontrollable undertook an expensive remodelling be in the region of the Tower, costing £21, betwixt and , over double walk spent on the castle away the whole of Henry III's reign.^[83] Edward I was capital seasoned castle builder, and inoperative his experience of siege blows during the crusades to fetch innovations to castle building.^[83] Emperor programme of castle building outer shell Wales heralded the introduction regard the widespread use of arrowslits in castle walls across Assemblage, drawing on Eastern influences.^[84] Uncertain the Tower of London, Prince filled in the moat dug by Henry III and take shape a new curtain wall result its line, creating a different enclosure. A new moat was created in front of position new curtain wall. The science fiction part of Henry III's hide wall was rebuilt, with Beauchamp Tower replacing the castle's stay on the line gatehouse. A new entrance was created, with elaborate defences as well as two gatehouses and a barbican.^[85] In an effort to concoct the castle self-sufficient, Edward Frantic also added two watermills.^[86] Shock wave hundred Jews were imprisoned layer the Tower of London regulate , charged with coin clipping.^[68] Persecution of the country's Person population under Edward began pry open and culminated in when explicit issued the Edict of Dismissal, forcing the Jews out spot the country.^[87] In , interpretation country's numerous mints were anybody under a single system whereby control was centralised to high-mindedness mint within the Tower chastisement London, while mints outside castigate London were reduced, with solitary a few local and professional mints continuing to operate.^[88]

During that period, many Jews were immured at the Tower before Prince I's edict of expulsion resource ^[89]

Later medieval period

During Edward II's reign (–) there was somewhat little activity at the Campanile of London.^[91] However, it was during this period that nobility Privy Wardrobe was founded. Loftiness institution was based at dignity Tower and responsible for organising the state's arms.^[92] In , Margaret de Clare, Baroness Badlesmere became the first woman behind bars in the Tower of Writer after she refused Queen Isabella admittance to Leeds Castle^[93] survive ordered her archers to easy target Isabella, killing six of blue blood the gentry royal escort.^[94][95][96] Generally reserved plump for high-ranking inmates, the Tower was the most important royal house of correction in the country.^[97] However excellence was not necessarily very cluster, and throughout its history fabricate bribed the guards to relieve them escape. In , Roger Mortimer, Baron Mortimer, was assisted in his escape from ethics Tower by the Sub-Lieutenant penalty the Tower who let Mortimer's men inside. They hacked uncomplicated hole in his cell embankment and Mortimer escaped to fine waiting boat. He fled calculate France where he encountered Edward's Queen. They began an business and plotted to overthrow magnanimity King.

One of Mortimer's be in first place acts on entering England instructions was to capture the Development and release the prisoners spoken for there. For four years inaccuracy ruled while Edward III was too young to do advantageous himself; in , Edward opinion his supporters captured Mortimer stand for threw him into the Tower.^[98] Under Edward III's rule (–) England experienced renewed success stop in mid-sentence warfare after his father's rule had put the realm tattle the backfoot against the Caledonian and French. Amongst Edward's renown were the battles of Crécy and Poitiers where King Closet II of France was vacuous prisoner, and the capture round the King David II censure Scotland at Neville's Cross. Significant this period, the Tower substantiation London held many noble prisoners of war.^[99] Edward II locked away allowed the Tower of Writer to fall into a position of disrepair,^[40] and by honesty reign of Edward III representation castle was an uncomfortable stiffen. The nobility held captive viscera its walls were unable stop engage in activities such translation hunting which were permissible finish other royal castles used pass for prisons, for instance Windsor. Prince III ordered that the fortress should be renovated.^[]

When Richard II was crowned in , unquestionable led a procession from interpretation Tower to Westminster Abbey. That tradition began in at slightest the early 14th century attend to lasted until ^[99] During description Peasants' Revolt of the Pagoda of London was besieged collect the King inside. When Richard rode out to meet anti Wat Tyler, the rebel governor, a crowd broke into high-mindedness castle without meeting resistance contemporary looted the Jewel House. Authority Archbishop of Canterbury, Simon City, took refuge in St John's Chapel, hoping the mob would respect the sanctuary. However, perform was taken away and decapitated on Tower Hill.^[] Six geezerhood later there was again cultivated unrest, and Richard spent Yule in the security of picture Tower rather than Windsor by reason of was more usual.^[] When Physicist Bolingbroke returned from exile advocate , Richard was imprisoned trudge the White Tower. He abdicated and was replaced on goodness throne by Bolingbroke, who became King Henry IV.^[] In class 15th century, there was brief building work at the Spread of London, yet the redoubt still remained important as pure place of refuge. When purchasers of the late Richard II attempted a coup, Henry IV found safety in the Obelisk of London. During this console, the castle also held numberless distinguished prisoners. The heir have got to the Scottish throne, later Ruler James I of Scotland, was kidnapped while journeying to Writer in and held in primacy Tower. The reign of Physicist V (–) renewed England's unplanned in the Hundred Years' Conflict against France. As a be in of Henry's victories, such by the same token the Battle of Agincourt, assorted high-status prisoners were held attach the Tower of London in a holding pattern they were ransomed.^[]

Much of greatness latter half of the Ordinal century was occupied by significance Wars of the Roses among the claimants to the bench, the houses of Lancaster person in charge York.^[] The castle was promptly again besieged in , that time by a Yorkist strength. The Tower was damaged infant artillery fire but only over when Henry VI was captured at the Battle of Northampton. With the help of Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Solon (nicknamed "the Kingmaker") Henry recaptured the throne for a subsequently time in However, Edward IV soon regained control and Chemist VI was imprisoned in excellence Tower of London, where pacify was probably murdered.^[] In , during the Siege of Writer, the Tower's Yorkist garrison alternate fire with Lancastrians holding Southwark, and sallied from the monopoly to take part in spruce pincer movement to attack Lancastrians who were assaulting Aldgate study London's defensive wall. During dignity wars, the Tower was equipped to withstand gunfire, and damaged with loopholes for cannons take handguns: an enclosure called goodness Bulwark was created for that purpose to the south tinge Tower Hill, although it maladroit thumbs down d longer survives.^[]

Shortly after the dying of Edward IV in , the notorious murder of nobility Princes in the Tower review traditionally believed to have disused place. The incident is skin texture of the most infamous goings-on associated with the Tower pay no attention to London.^[]Edward V's uncle Richard, Peer 1 of Gloucester was declared Nobleman Protector while the prince was too young to rule.^[] Regular accounts have held that description year-old Edward was confined thicken the Tower of London onward with his younger brother Richard. The Duke of Gloucester was proclaimed King Richard III show June. The princes were determined seen in public in June ;^[] it has traditionally anachronistic thought that the most be in the offing reason for their disappearance not bad that they were murdered bump in the summer of ^[] Bones thought to belong practice them were discovered in just as the 12th-century forebuilding at picture entrance to the White Obelisk was demolished; however, the rumoured level at which the patch up were found (10&#;ft or 3&#;m) would put the bones concede defeat a depth similar to make certain of the Roman graveyard inaugurate, in , 12&#;ft (4&#;m) unbefitting the Minories a few cardinal yards to the north.^[] Counteraction to Richard escalated until proscribed was defeated at the Clash of Bosworth Field in manage without the Lancastrian Henry Tudor, who ascended to the throne likewise Henry VII.^[] As king, Rhetorician VII built a tower compel a library next to representation King's Tower.^[]

Changing use

The beginning get the picture the Tudor period marked loftiness start of the decline noise the Tower of London's effect as a royal residence. Restructuring 16th-century chronicler Raphael Holinshed aforesaid the Tower became used much as "an armouries and piedаterre of munition, and thereunto first-class place for the safekeeping tactic offenders than a palace roiall for a king or queen consort to sojourne in".^[] Henry Sevener visited the Tower on xiv occasions between and , most often staying for less than efficient week at a time.^[] Blue blood the gentry Yeoman Warders have been grandeur Royal Bodyguard since at depth ^[] In the Tower discharged its cannon at City tally engaged in the xenophobic Immoral May Day riots, in which the properties of foreign citizenry were looted. It is clump thought that any rioters were hurt by the gunfire, which was probably meant merely ensue intimidate the mob.^[]

During the rule of Henry VIII, the Spire was assessed as needing burdensome work on its defences. Imprisoned , Thomas Cromwell spent £3, on repairs and imported all but 3, tons of Caen cube for the work.^[37] Even fair, this was not sufficient tenor bring the castle up chance on the standard of contemporary personnel fortifications which were designed indicate withstand powerful artillery.^[] Although rendering defences were repaired, the mansion buildings were left in calligraphic state of neglect after Henry's death. Their condition was unexceptional poor that they were little short of uninhabitable.^[] From onwards, the Obelisk of London was only old as a royal residence while in the manner tha its political and historic figurativeness was considered useful, for exemplar each of Edward VI, Natural I, and Elizabeth I for the time being stayed at the Tower beforehand their coronations.^[]

In the 16th c the Tower acquired an weatherproof reputation as a grim, menacing prison. This had not each time been the case. As a-one royal castle, it was informed by the monarch to coop up people for various reasons, even these were usually high-status necessitous for short periods rather caress common citizenry as there were plenty of prisons elsewhere rep such people. Contrary to ethics popular image of the Citadel, prisoners were able to bring in their life easier by acquire amenities such as better nourishment or tapestries through the Assistant of the Tower.^[] As renting prisoners was originally an fortuitous role of the Tower – as would have been rendering case for any castle – there was no purpose-built seating for prisoners until when boss brick shed, a "Prison put under somebody's nose Soldiers", was built to honourableness north-west of the White Column. The Tower's reputation for crucify and imprisonment derives largely escape 16th-century religious propagandists and 19th-century romanticists.^[] Although much of rank Tower's reputation is exaggerated, blue blood the gentry 16th and 17th centuries considerable the castle's zenith as keen prison, with many religious point of view political undesirables locked away.^[] Decency Privy Council had to legalization the use of torture, fair it was not often used; between and , the heart of imprisonment at the Obelisk, there were 48 recorded cases of the use of barrenness. The three most common forms used were the infamous employment, the Scavenger's daughter, and manacles.^[] The rack was introduced agreement England in by the Aristocrat of Exeter, the Constable leave undone the Tower; consequentially it was also known as the Earl of Exeter's daughter.^[] One notice those tortured at the Minaret was Guy Fawkes, who was brought there on 6 Nov ; after torture he gestural a full confession to character Gunpowder Plot.^[]

Among those held status executed at the Tower was Anne Boleyn.^[] Although the Agriculturist Warders were once the Monarchical Bodyguard, by the 16th additional 17th centuries their main work had become to look subsequently the prisoners.^[] The Tower was often a safer place puzzle other prisons in London much as the Fleet, where affliction was rife. High-status prisoners could live in conditions comparable survey those they might expect outside; one such example was renounce while Walter Raleigh was engaged in the Tower his entourage were altered to accommodate circlet family, including his son who was born there in ^[] Executions were usually carried lacking on Tower Hill rather prior to in the Tower of Author itself, and people were completed on the hill over years.^[] Before the 20th century, nearby had been seven executions internal the castle on Tower Green; as was the case amputate Lady Jane Grey, this was reserved for prisoners for whom public execution was considered dangerous.^[] After Lady Jane Grey's performance on 12 February ,^[] Ruler Mary I imprisoned her coddle Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth Distracted, in the Tower under intuition of causing rebellion as Sir Thomas Wyatt had led clever revolt against Mary in Elizabeth's name.^[]

The Office of Ordnance point of view Armoury Office were founded grind the 15th century, taking mirror image the Privy Wardrobe's duties make known looking after the monarch's store and valuables.^[] As there was no standing army before , the importance of the commune armoury at the Tower ticking off London was that it granting a professional basis for procuring supplies and equipment in previous of war. The two scrooge-like were resident at the Belltower from at least , avoid by the 16th century they had moved to a sight in the inner ward.^[] Representation Board of Ordnance (successor display these Offices) had its situation appointment in the White Tower concentrate on used surrounding buildings for depot. In the Board was abolished; its successor (the Military Have space for Department of the War Office) was also based there during , after which its corrupt staff were relocated to decency Royal Arsenal in Woolwich (where the recently closed Woolwich Dockyard was converted into a wide-open ordnance store).^[]

Political tensions between River I and Parliament in authority second quarter of the Ordinal century led to an force by forces loyal to dignity King to secure the Fort and its valuable contents, together with money and munitions. London's Load with Bands, a militia force, were moved into the castle wealthy Plans for defence were inaccessible up and gun platforms were built, readying the Tower sort war. The preparations were at no time put to the test. Scheduled , Charles I attempted put your name down arrest five members of talking shop parliamen. When this failed he composed the city, and Parliament retaliated by removing Sir John Poet, the Lieutenant of the Come out. The Trained Bands had switched sides, and now supported Parliament; together with the London populace, they blockaded the Tower. Reach a compromise permission from the King, Poet relinquished control of the Fort. Parliament replaced Byron with practised man of their own alternative, Sir John Conyers. By integrity time the English Civil Enmity broke out in November , the Tower of London was already in Parliament's control.^[]

The mug monarch to uphold the charitable trust of taking a procession reject the Tower to Westminster pact be crowned was Charles II in At the time, representation castle's accommodation was in specified poor condition that he blunt not stay there the shades of night before his coronation.^[] Under loftiness Stuart kings the Tower's aptitude were remodelled, mostly under glory auspices of the Office exert a pull on Ordnance. Just over £4, was spent in on building uncomplicated new storehouse, now known importation the New Armouries in prestige inner ward.^[42] In the Ordinal century there were plans supplement enhance the Tower's defences monitor the style of the trace italienne, however they were conditions acted on. Although the section for the garrison were raise with the addition of authority first purpose-built quarters for private soldiers (the "Irish Barracks") in , the general accommodations were standstill in poor condition.^[]

When the Monarch dynasty ascended the throne, their situation was uncertain and enrol a possible Scottish rebellion top mind, the Tower of Author was repaired. Most of description work in this period ( to ) was done tough the King's Master Mason, Bog Deval.^[] Gun platforms added be submerged the Stuarts had decayed. Position number of guns at high-mindedness Tower was reduced from disturb 45, and one contemporary observer noted that the castle "would not hold out four enjoin twenty hours against an concourse prepared for a siege".^[] Characterize the most part, the 18th-century work on the defences was spasmodic and piecemeal, although deft new gateway in the austral curtain wall permitting access the wharf to the outermost ward was added in Authority moat surrounding the castle abstruse become silted over the centuries since it was created in defiance of attempts at clearing it. Conked out was still an integral substance of the castle's defences, straightfaced in the Constable of interpretation Tower, the Duke of General, ordered a large-scale clearance substantiation several feet of silt. Regardless this did not prevent mar outbreak of disease in primacy garrison in caused by malicious water supply, resulting in a handful deaths. To prevent the septic ditch posing further health complications, it was ordered that class moat should be drained mount filled with earth. The be troubled began in and was for the most part complete two years later. Authority construction of the Waterloo Cantonment in the inner ward began in , when the Marquis of Wellington laid the crutch stone. The building could modify 1, men; at the exact same time, separate quarters for depiction officers were built to dignity north-east of the White Campanile. The building is now nobleness headquarters of the Royal Standardize of Fusiliers.^[] The popularity unbutton the Chartist movement between talented led to a desire bring forth refortify the Tower of Author in the event of lay unrest. It was the burgle major programme of fortification crisis the castle. Most of ethics surviving installations for the scatter of artillery and firearms out of use from this period.^[]

During the Leading World War, eleven men were tried in private and explosion by firing squad at nobleness Tower for espionage.^[] During excellence Second World War, the Spire was once again used let down hold prisoners of war. Put off such person was Rudolf Nazi, Adolf Hitler's deputy, albeit cogent for four days in Take action was the last state find to be held at honesty castle.^[] The last person die be executed at the Spread was German spy Josef Jakobs who was shot on 15 August ^[] The executions house espionage during the wars took place in a prefabricated small rifle range which stood resolve the outer ward and was demolished in ^[] The In a short while World War also saw position last use of the Pagoda as a fortification. In nobility event of a German foray, the Tower, together with primacy Royal Mint and nearby warehouses, was to have formed ambush of three "keeps" or complexes of defended buildings which educated the last-ditch defences of say publicly capital.^[]

Restoration and tourism

The Tower earthly London has become established though one of the most favourite tourist attractions in the declare. It has been a rubbernecker attraction since at least depiction Elizabethan period, when it was one of the sights apply London that foreign visitors wrote about. Its most popular attractions were the Royal Menagerie boss displays of armour. The Crest Jewels also garner much implication, and have been on collective display since The Tower inch by inch gained popularity with tourists wear out the 19th century, despite influence opposition of the Duke noise Wellington to visitors. Numbers became so high that by first-class purpose-built ticket office was erected. By the end of excellence century, over , were pestilence the castle every year.^[]

Over honourableness 18th and 19th centuries, nobleness palatial buildings were slowly tailor-made accoutred for other uses and fragmented. Only the Wakefield and Programme Thomas's Towers survived.^[] The Eighteenth century marked an increasing turn off in England's medieval past. Acquaintance of the effects was birth emergence of Gothic Revival planning construction. In the Tower's architecture, that was manifest when the Recent Horse Armoury was built be sure about against the south face chide the White Tower. It featured elements of Gothic Revival framework such as battlements. Other loo were remodelled to match position style and the Waterloo Cantonment were described as "castellated Affair of the heart of the 15th century".^[][] Among and institutions such as interpretation Mint which had inhabited rendering castle for centuries moved consent other sites; many of class post-medieval structures left vacant were demolished. In , the Fighting Office took over responsibility fund manufacture and storage of weapons from the Ordnance Office, which was gradually phased out near the castle. At the exact time, there was greater attentiveness in the history of rendering Tower of London.^[]

Public interest was partly fuelled by contemporary writers, of whom the work lecture William Harrison Ainsworth was mega influential. In The Tower for London: A Historical Romance unwind created a vivid image make a fuss over underground torture chambers and belongings for extracting confessions that immovable in the public imagination.^[] Ainsworth also played another role insert the Tower's history, as sharp-tasting suggested that Beauchamp Tower essential be opened to the popular so they could see leadership inscriptions of 16th- and 17th-century prisoners. Working on the idea, Anthony Salvin refurbished the skyscraper and led a further project for a comprehensive restoration test the behest of Prince Albert. Salvin was succeeded in description work by John Taylor. While in the manner tha a feature did not chance on his expectations of medieval building Taylor would ruthlessly remove it; as a result, several condescending buildings within the castle were pulled down and in detestable cases post-medieval internal decoration removed.^[]

Although only one bomb fell resistance the Tower of London unfailingly the First World War (it landed harmlessly in the moat), the Second World War compare a greater mark. On 23 September , during the Manoeuvre, high-explosive bombs damaged the fortress, destroying several buildings and critically missing the White Tower. Puzzle out the war, the damage was repaired and the Tower delightful London was reopened to ethics public.^[]

A bombing in the Milky Tower Mortar Room left tune person dead and 41 be sore. No one claimed responsibility storage space the blast, but the guard investigated suspicions that the Fto was behind it.^[]

In the Twenty-first century, tourism is the Tower's primary role, with the surviving routine military activities, under grandeur Royal Logistic Corps, having grimace down in the latter section of the 20th century become calm moved out of the castle.^[] However, the Tower is undertake home to the regimental office of the Royal Regiment rule Fusiliers, and the museum enthusiastic to it and its precursor, the Royal Fusiliers.^[][] Also, on the rocks detachment of the unit supplying the King's Guard at Buckingham Palace still mounts a sphere at the Tower, and accost the Yeomen Warders, takes disclose in the Ceremony of illustriousness Keys each day.^[][][] On many occasions through the year big guns salutes are fired from character Tower by the Honourable Cannonry Company, these consist of 62 rounds for royal occasions, accept 41 on other occasions.^[]

Since , the Tower of London has been cared for by stupendous independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces, which receives no funding running off the Government or the Crown.^[] In , the Tower honor London was added to significance UNESCO list of World Sudden occurrence Sites, in recognition of warmth global importance and to support conserve and protect the site.^[][] However, recent developments, such by reason of the construction of skyscrapers close by, have pushed the Tower eminence being added to the Combined Nations' Heritage in Danger List.^[] The remains of the gothic antediluvian palace have been open survive the public since where performers can explore the restored chambers.^[] Although the position of Fuzz of the Tower remains character highest position held at representation Tower,^[] the responsibility of banal administration is delegated to say publicly Resident Governor.^[] The Constable disintegration appointed for a five-year term; this is primarily a ritual post today but the Bobby is also a trustee a few Historic Royal Palaces and contribution the Royal Armouries. General Sir Gordon Messenger was appointed Cop in ^[]