Kavisht
- Dec 14, 2020
- 3 min read

Dark History that Surrounds the Tower of London Since A.D. 1066

London is well-known for its rich past and significant landmarks. Its royal history makes it a notable tourist location. Exploring the country reveals its unique and distinct sense of personality that sets it apart from other tourist locations. One of its most attractive landmarks is a 900-year-old castle which is quite famous for housing some of the most notable treasures and jewels.

Dark History that Surrounds Tower of London Since A.D. 1066

Haunted Introduction

The Tower of London is the biggest attraction in London. Throughout history, it served many purposes, such as a menagerie, a records office, and a barrack for troops and housed the Royal Mints. However, it was well-known for housing many infamous prisoners. It was also used as a royal residence until the 17th century.

The tower was built by William the Conqueror in A.D. 1066 as a fortress because he feared an uprising by the city's inhabitants. Since he lacked the support of the people, he believed in curbing the power of the citizens, and hence he built the fort as a means of protection. The people frowned upon conquers, a sod reason to make the fort.

Initially, he laid down the fort's foundation, which expanded 250 years after William's death. The tower contains a complex fortifications series extending up to 25 Acres.

Haunt Behind The Tower

Though the tower was a place of royal beauty, it had a dark history. The building was known for imprisoning many prisoners, from disposed of monarchs to criminals. Some of its infamous prisoners include Lady Jane Grey, who was the Queen for a week before Mary I disposed of her. Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, two of Henry VIII's wives, were imprisoned and later executed.

Another notable prisoner was Guy Fawkes, who was imprisoned and tortured within the tower walls for attempting to blow up the House of the Royals and the Monarchs by denoting the gunpowder buried underneath the cellar.

Despite its dark past, the tower's history as a prison is quite popular. It is said that many of the imprisoned royals were treated exceptionally well. They were even allowed servants; sometimes, they could leave the castle provided a guard accompanied them. However, by the end of the 18th and 19th centuries, the tower was less frequently used as a prison. Its last notable prisoner was Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy, who was seen fleeing Scotland before being placed in the tower and later transferred.

Despite the horror witnessed by the tower, it is one of the most attractive tourist areas for housing the crown's jewel—the jewels that some of the monarchs wore at coronations and the parliament's opening. The tower began to serve as a secure place for treasures in 1303 when some jewels were stolen from the Abbey of St. Peter at Westminster.

Since then, the rest of the remaining jewels were transferred to the tower for safekeeping. The tower also contains an impressive amount of armor, which adds to its attractiveness. Also, a new jewel tower was built on the south side of the White Tower in 1508 for this purpose.

In recent times, the Tower has been heavily guarded by Beefeaters, the bearded Yeoman Warders. The post of Beefeaters was handed down from one generation to another. However, this practice was forced to stop when the Duke of Wellington ordered that the future posts be given to all Non- Commissioned officers of the Household Cavalry based on the Regiment's recommendation. This was a massive loss for the family of the original Beefeaters, who soon lost their moneymaking privileges.

When one visits the tower, it can be observed that the Ravens frequent the Tower. This flock of Raven dwells at the building and is cared for by the Yeomen Warders Raven master. Legends state the Tower and the Monarchs are doomed to collapse if the six Ravens ever leave the Tower.

It is believed that Charles II was the first Monarch who ordered the protection of the Ravens. He gave the order despite protests by the royal Astronomer John Flamsteed, who argued that the Ravens kept leaving their droppings on his telescope.

Conclusion

Today, the tower is one of the most attractive tourist locations, even listed as a World Heritage Site. It has an estimated two million visitors every year; each left in awe of its beauty and rich history. Ironically, the tower, though well protected from terrorists and sudden attacks, requires protection of its quality.

The pollution, as well as global warming, has led to tower walls turning a bit yellow, just like The Taj Mahal. Hence, immediate actions on the part of the appropriate authorities should be taken to preserve the castle's beauty and continue its legacy.