Castles in general were not only defensive strongholds, but also displays of power (and maybe overcompensating a bit). This was especially true for the Normans, who felt that the keep was a representation of the lord’s authority. After William the Conqueror defeated Harold of Wessex at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and was crowned […]
Exploring London: 10 Random Facts and Figures about the Tower of London
The Tower of London. Built in 1066 by William I as part of the Norman conquest of England, the Tower has long been an important locale and center of the monarchy. Next time you have a chance to visit, here are some interesting facts and figures to think about while you tour the grounds. The […]
Tower of London to Fill in its Moat with Clay Poppies to Honor the World War I Centenary
August marks the centenary of the beginning of World War I, which is the great war often forgotten about in the shadow of World War II. It was still a cataclysmic event that touched every aspect of British life (and arguably caused WWII as well). To honor the over 800,000 lives lost, Historic Royal Palaces will […]
Halt! The Tower of London Gets a New Working Drawbridge
The Tower of London, after years of planning and construction, have unveiled a new drawbridge – the first working drawbridge on the site in over a generation. Originally created in 1834, to allow munitions to be brought into the basement of the iconic White Tower from the wharf, the drawbridge would have spanned a water […]
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