Early in its existence, the Tower of London was a grand palace and not a prison. It was built by William the Conqueror in the late eleventh century on the northern bank of the Thames River in the central part of London and served as a reminder to the population that they were a conquered people.
Heavily defended with a double ring of walls and a moat, it was designed to serve as a defensive fortress for the royal family as well as royal residence. In fact, the official name of the complex is Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress. (I am assuming in times of a male sovereign, the place would be known as HIS Majesty's Royal etc, etc.)
But time marched on and due to its location and general good defenses, the palace became more of a prison and less of a palace. Especially during the 16 and 17th centuries, the monarchs became increasingly insecure about their reigns and took to banishing people who had fallen into disgrace and imprisoning them in the Tower of London as it was in a handy location and the security was second to none. And, of course, there was the ever-useful, aptly named Traitor's Gate so prisoners could be delivered by boat directly (and sneakily).
It was also a a really safe place to house people who were soon to be crowned. It became a tradition for Kings and Queens-to-be to spend their last few days before their coronation in the Tower palace and then make their way to Westminster Abbey for the ceremony.
And about this time it also became somewhat of a tradition for King Henry the VIII to store his discarded queens there while they awaited the results of their trials for treason, adultery or the mere failure to produce a male heir. Although in our more enlightened age, we know it could very well have been just as much his fault as hers.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment