The White Tower--Part 1...Day 5d

Upon the old Roman walls the White Tower was built by William the Conqueror (or more correctly, by his contractors) shortly after he did what he was most famous for, that is, conquering England. The citizens weren't totally in favor of this so he ordered construction of a castle and its corresponding keep to serve as a symbol of his power and also as defensive military strategy.

 

  And he had it fitted out to be a residence fit for royalty.

 

And he didn't forget to include a bedroom. or a chapel. or a throne room. or a throne.

 or a throne. (am I repeating myself?)

What is pictured here is known as the "garderobe" which is the latrine.

Besides its usual function, the garderobe was often built in or near where clothing was stored because the pungent smells served to repel moths. And I would imagine many a fine lady as well.

The word "wardrobe" is derived from the word "garderobe" in case you have been wondering.

(bare with me, ok?)   (oops...I think I meant "bear" with me)

And of course, there were fireplaces for warmth and for cooking. And it eased my mind considerably to  notice that a fire extinguisher is conveniently stored beside it.

This fireplace was actually quite innovative in that it was one of the first wall fireplaces, although they hadn't come up with the concept of chimneys yet. With this new type of fireplace, smoke was allowed to escape through a couple of holes in the side of the building.

Previously, fires were burned in the center of the room and the room would just fill with smoke until the smoke eventually found its escape through holes in the roof.

t the heart of the Tower of London is the White Tower. It is the oldest part of the Tower, built to strike fear and submission into the unruly citizens of London.
- See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/stories/WhiteTower#sthash.OePOU3Fr.dpuf

At the heart of the Tower of London is the White Tower. It is the oldest part of the Tower, built to strike fear and submission into the unruly citizens of London.
- See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/stories/WhiteTower#sthash.OePOU3Fr.dpuf

At the heart of the Tower of London is the White Tower. It is the oldest part of the Tower, built to strike fear and submission into the unruly citizens of London.
- See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/stories/WhiteTower#sthash.OePOU3Fr.dpuf