Early Foundations
The origins of the Tower of London date back to the 11th century, when it was constructed by William the Conqueror, the first Norman King of England, after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The fortress was initially built to assert Norman authority over the people of London and to provide a secure location for the royal family. The White Tower, the central and oldest part of the fortress, was constructed between 1078 and 1097. It is this portion of the Tower that remains the most iconic today.
The Tower was built as a symbol of power and fear, intended to intimidate the Anglo-Saxon population with its imposing structure and towering walls. The White Tower, made of limestone, stands as the core of the entire fortress and was originally a lavish royal residence, complete with a chapel dedicated to St. John the Evangelist.
The Tower’s Role in English Monarch History
Over the centuries, the Tower became intricately linked to the English monarchy. Many monarchs have added to, modified, or used the Tower, making it one of the most significant royal sites in England. King Henry III (1216-1272) expanded the Tower in the 13th century, building additional defensive walls, towers, and the moat around the complex. During his reign, the Tower started to take on a more symbolic role as a royal palace and prison.
Throughout the medieval period, the Tower was used as a prison, particularly for high-profile political prisoners. Some of the most famous prisoners include Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, who was executed within the Tower’s walls in 1536, and Lady Jane Grey, who was imprisoned and executed after her brief reign as queen. The Tower's reputation as a place of imprisonment and execution grew significantly during the reign of the Tudors. shutdown123