In the center of the capital of England, you will find one of its most famous and mysterious castles, the Tower of London. This construction, which has centuries of history, has been a fortress, armory, prison and a symbol of power. Today, the legendary Tower of London is one of the most popular, well-known and visited places in the city.
To discover the origins of the Tower of London, we must go back in time, to a time when England was very different from how it is today. The tower was devised by the legendary monarch William the Conqueror, and was built for the purpose of defending London against possible Saxon invasions.
King William was of Viking descent, and he was the first Norman king of England. To ensure his reign, it was very important that he controlled trade and access to London through the River Thames. For this reason, the castle was built next to the bank of this important river pass, where it has remained for more than 900 years.
With the passing of time, other English kings such as Ricardo Corazón de León, Eduardo I, Ricardo II and Enrique III, were expanding the construction. Today, the Tower of London has 3 courtyards, 8 towers and a royal chapel.
This castle has had so many uses throughout its history that it is easy to assume that you have already seen it all. It has been the home of kings, a prison for queens, a treasure hideaway, a mint, a treasury center, a menagerie and a tourist attraction.
During its years of activity as a royal prison, the Tower of London witnessed multiple executions, most notably those of Anne Boleyn, Jane Gray and Catherine Howard.
In addition, the Tower of London was the last place where the nephews of King Richard III, heirs to the British throne, were seen alive. According to legend, both princes were killed in the tower.
So many tragic events and unsolved mysteries have created an enigmatic air around the Tower of London. Many Londoners say that the place is haunted, and that the ghosts of the executed queens can still be seen there.
The last prisoners in the tower were 11 German spies, captured during the First World War. Since then, it has remained empty, with the exception of the guards who are in charge of guarding it.
Today, the Tower of London is much simpler and closer than in its previous times. Likewise, it is a point of tourist interest in high demand by those who visit the city.
In the same way, guided tours are offered, in which you can tour the entire tower, its courtyards and buildings, while learning about its incredible history. The Tower of London is also a museum, where you will find an important collection of armor, the British Crown Jewels, an impressive chapel and various ancient artifacts.
If you want to take a real walk through the heart of the English capital, and travel to a past full of mysteries, you have to schedule a visit to the Tower of London, you can be sure that you will be fascinated.
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One Comment on “Tower of London”
Caroline
12 de June de 2024 at 11:14Absolutely loved this deep dive into the Tower of London’s rich history and mysteries! The details about its many roles over the centuries and the haunting legends make it a must-visit. Can’t wait to explore it in person!