Another section within Tower of London is a Broad Arrow Tower of 1240 where today some armoury of soldiers are kept for public to touch and feel. Next to this is the Martin Tower built in 1240 where today the older crown jewel from which the stones have been removed, are kept for display.
Pretty close to the entrance is the Bloody Tower, build in 1225, which was originally called the Garden Tower, coz of the Garden view. However, later on, due to the gruesome disappearance and believed to be murdered sons of King Edward IV, in 1483, supposedly by his brother Richard III, this name stuck on.
The iron portcullis was opened and closed with a winding mechanism atop, made in 16th C. In 1674, when an old staircase was renovated in the White Tower, the chest was discovered with the skeletal remains of 2 children which is believed to be them. This entrance to the tower is called the Traitor's gate.
Another section here is called the St.Thomas Tower built in 1275. This was used as a meeting room for important people. To keep the room warm, here's a huge fireplace. The King's bedroom has been recreated with vintage wall paintings, bed and furniture.
In the adjacent room is where Henry VI is buried. The ground has gorgeous foilage patterned handmade tiles and the walls have stained glass windows.
Connecting this and Lanthorn Tower is a bridge which helped the Royalty to have a river view after the outer curtain wall was built in 13th C. Lanthorn Tower built in 1220 now holds some miniature artifacts of the era.
Here are the coins minted during the reign on Edward I. A bowl of 13th C is from Malaga in Spain from where Elanor of Castile is from. The painted jug is from Saintonage in France of 13th C again.
The 14th C Stylus is made of bone and its so little and engraved. That's my finger beside - the engraved part is smaller than my finger nail!!! The toy knight of 13th C is made of lead. Probably one of England's kings would have played with it!!
The tiny portable altarpiece of 13th C is made of Ivory. Daily prayer was very important for the royalty and such alterpieces were carried by all when travelling! There is a separate tower which would enjoyed much by kids where all the exquisite animal pets of the royalty are explained with interesting sound systems and tiny games as well.
Honestly, this isn't an exhaustive travelogue of the Fort but a portion of whatever I saw in about 4 hrs! I couldn't document all that saw, esp coz of the restrictions with photography! But there were portions of the fort that I completely missed also. So yeah, I'd take an entire day to explore the fort completely.
To get there & Ticket details:
Refer to my prev. post
Well I guess Garden Tower is a better name than Bloody Tower!!
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about Tower of London. I must have read it in books. It's nice to see it in photos and have someone give me a virtual tour. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time i heard of this place. London is included in my travel bucketlist. The photos were beautiful. thank you.
ReplyDeleteI never thought the Tower of London had so much to offer. But yes, I guess it had really a violent past, so exploring all over it may have some creepy moments.
ReplyDeleteLoved those stained glass work, along with ivory and bone made artifacts.
ReplyDeleteThe stained glass windows are super awesome and artsy. The Tower of London has so much to offer and learn from too.
ReplyDeleteEver since I was a child and read a mystery that took place in the Tower of London I have wanted to visit. :-) This wonderful recap has brought that dream alive again!
ReplyDeleteTower of London, I have to admit that this is the first time I have know this though I had studied world history, but I have had not encountered this particular tower which had several towers built in early 12 centuries ago. This is very big or it covers a great vast of land so to speak for you have to take 4 hours to explore this tower.
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting it is to see all these things that the royals may have touched back in their days! I'm green with envy!
ReplyDeleteI guess four hours would feel overwhelming with such a rich heritage of the tower of London. You get to appreciate the ancient times and learn new things too.
ReplyDeleteI felt really sad when I read about the remains of the sons foundin that chest, kids didn't have to go through such things. It makes me love living in this century.
ReplyDeleteI totally love that heritage kind of look you will find in London and you can spend hours exploring the place.
ReplyDeleteSo much to do when you are in London. Love reading your posts that showcase the age old beauty of the city.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate these posts of yours because I've always wanted to go to these places in the UK or in the rest of Europe, it's definitely amazing. Castles and towers are fascinating for me!
ReplyDeleteits nice to see historic places and monuments and houses like this. but i can never sleep over in a house so old like this. lol
ReplyDeleteWow! It's my first time to know about the tower. Thanks so much for this
ReplyDeleteWow! It's my first time to know about the tower. Thanks so much for this
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