Chambers, toilets, fireplaces, chimneys, and drains were cut into the tower’s thick walls. It is not clear what these chambers were used for, and there is no record of William ever staying in the castle so perhaps it was originally intended as a showpiece of Norman power. The Grand Storehouse burned down during a great fire at the Tower and many weapons were destroyed The moat, which had been drained and filled in 1843, Revolution swept across Europe and in London the Chartist movement delivered a petition to Parliament asserting the rights of ordinary people. Its moat and two concentric “curtains,” or walls, surround the White Tower. Modern excavation have revealed Plague Pits just outside the Tower of London, Henry Yeverley, Master Mason was employed by the King as his chief Architect. The White Tower's most famous features – the onion-shaped domes on the turrets, complete with weather vanes, Henry divorced his first wife, Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII broke with the Church in Rome with the Act of Supremacy, which made the king head of the Church of England. All other buildings remain closed. 407. Most of the Tower now administered by the Office of Ordnance. He renounced the crown in his chamber in the White Tower and Henry IV was proclaimed King the next day. However, the institutions of central government were moved to Westminster, close to London. Major improvements to the Tower's defences were made and batteries of guns were set in place along the walls and the arsenal was expanded. 3.6 miles, - England, EC3N 4AB There was a very close call during the Second World War when bombing killed all but one of them. 1910 - The high-level Walkways, which were designed so that the public could still cross the Bridge when it was raised, were closed due to lack of use. Many Roman structures had their stones robbed away for use in later buildings (finding these Roman remains in other structures is a good source of evidence and very rewarding), and what remained in London was likely foundations. Leopards, lions, an elephant and even a polar bear were all resident at one time or another, usually diplomatic gifts, and the Tower Menagerie only closed down in 1835 CE. 1886 - The construction of Tower Bridge began on 22 April. In the 1490s CE, a third floor was inserted into the tower, resizing those below, as indicated by still visible marks on the walls of the original roof eaves. After only three days, lack of provisions forced Bishop Longchamp to surrender, The Bell Tower was completed during the reign of King John, A moat was dug outside the City of London wall. However, the Roman fortifications declined after the Romans left England. Ravens with clipped wings are kept on the grounds by the yeoman ravenmaster; a tradition dating from the time of King Charles II (reigned 1660–85) states that, should the ravens leave the Tower, the fortification and the state would fall. Over the next few centuries monarchs added ever more fortifications, including walls, halls and other towers, to an increasingly complex structure which became referred to as The Tower of London. Within 24 hours of Anne Boleyn's execution, Jane Seymour and Henry VIII were formally betrothed. Until 1994 the British crown jewels and regalia were kept in the underground Jewel House; they are now housed in a more spacious aboveground facility. Unfortunately, much of the original regalia was sold off and destroyed in 1649 CE following the execution of Charles I of England (r. 1600-1649 CE) and the (what turned out to be) temporary abolishment of the monarchy. 0.4 miles (Historic Church), Leadenhall Market - In 1240 CE an order stipulated for the. The central keep—known as the White Tower—was begun about 1078 close inside the old Roman city wall and was built of limestone from Caen in Normandy. The Ancient History Encyclopedia logo is a registered EU trademark. Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University and Michigan State University and University of Missouri. The Tower of London is a castle located in London alongside the River Thames which was first built by William the Conqueror from c. 1077 CE and significantly added to over the centuries. Our latest articles delivered to your inbox, once a week: Our mission is to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. The Yeoman Warders still patrol today - and act as tourist guides - wearing their striking red Tudor livery. The castle, though, has continued to evolve with additions, demolitions, and restorations right up to the present day, largely in an effort to restore the castle to its medieval appearance. Tower of London Aerial Viewby Dun.can (CC BY). The history of castles. All major building, demolition and improvements are detailed in the Tower of London timeline. Improvements were made to the Tower of London defences including the curtain walls, The Tower was used for the storage of official papers by the King’s Wardrobe.