London towers

London is known to be the most densely inhabited and bustling city of England and comprises to be the main hub of tourism. Recently in July 2005 the International Olympic Committee selected London as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Being the financial hub of England London comprises 17% of the England’s GDP and thus, becomes world’s prime business, political and cultural centers. London is known to be the pioneer in terms of international finance, politics, communications, entertainment, fashion and the arts. All the major and big corporate houses have stationed their headquarters in London along with various global organizations, institutions and companies. There is a very popular quote for London, which goes like this “ london tower has many things to offer and it offers something for everyone”. This is the only city which is the prime spot for various newly married couples as they love to kick start their honeymoon in this romantic city only. Being the major city this city is well connected with all its excursions through trains, planes and even roads. Thus it’s easier to enter into this city and most important is that you are welcomed with a broad smile.

This city was earlier known as Londinium, which was built by Claudius to protect the people of the city. Thus, in short we can say that a true historical with a glorified past. The Tower of London is the landmark situated in Central London in London Borough of Tower Hamlets, just on the outskirts of the City of London. This london tower was the hot spot used for various purposes such as fortress, armory, treasury, mint, palace, place of execution, public records office, observatory, refuge, and prison, particularly for upper class prisoners. London Tower was used as a prison furthermore Elizabeth I was also imprisoned here during the reign of her sister Mary.

This london tower was last used as imprisonment in 1952 to curb the movement of the Kray Twins who just boycotted the army. If we delve into its history we come to know that it was in 1078 when William the Conqueror decided to construct the White Tower. He ordered the re-construction of the tower just to protect the Normans from the people of London. The past forts were built of wooden and other materials that's why they were very weak thus, he ordered to build this tower with strong and hard material. That’s why he ordered to import the stones from France. Thus, finally the work started. It was King Richard the Lionheart who was responsible to dig a moat hole around the tower, which was later, filled with the water of River Thames.

Despite his brave efforts still the hole was not that powerful until Henry III decided to strengthen the hole by using Dutch moat building technique. Hence, in 1830 it was completely drained. If we travel back in 13th century then we come to know that a Royal Menagerie was constructed at the Tower. Henry I at his palace in Woodstock, near Oxford, did this in 1204 that too during the reign of King John who probably stocked the animals from an earlier menagerie started in 1125. Therefore it was further moved in 1264 to Bulwark which was then renamed the Lion Tower. There was a skull of lion radio carbonated dating back to 1280 to 1385. However at that time it was not opened for everyone, as the entry was duly restricted. But in 1804 the menagerie was made free for public viewing. This was the time when lower-class people were also executed there by hanging them outside the Tower. Various high profiles yet popular convicts such as were Thomas More were executed there. Sometime Nobles were also beheaded here and further they were buried in the "Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula" besides the Green. Famous people beheaded here are Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, William Hastings, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, Lady Jane Grey and The Queen Anne Boleyn. There is a popular myth that The Queen Anne Boleyn is frequently seen here walking with her head under the arm. The only woman who was tortured and executed here was Anne Askew that too in 1546.

Furthermore "George" Duke of Clarence and the brother of Edward IV of England, was also executed in the Tower in February 1478. Edward IV's two sons were also killed by their uncle Richard III and still nobody knows ther exact mystery. There is still a mystery that whether they were killed or murdered. In 1855 the Tower was converted into a castle and also served as the headquarters of the Board of Ordnance. After that Tower was rarely used as the prison even during the two world wars. Former Continental Congress President Henry Laurens was the only American prisoner imprisoned here in 1780. During World War I, 11 German spies shot at the Tower giving hit serious damages. Furthermore, in 1916 Irish rebel Roger Casement was imprisoned here during the trial. After the death of Hitler his deputy Rudolf Hess was incarcerated for 4 days.

Now the London Tower is no more occupied by the Royal Family but still regarded as a royal residence and is also permanently guarded by two sentries. Currently Tower is the main tourist’s attraction and beside its glorified past it also showcases British Crown Jewels, a fine armor collection from the Royal Armories, and a relic of the wall of the Roman fortress. Nowadays the London Tower is manned by the Yeomen Warders, who not only act as a guide but also provide discreet information. In reverence to the glorified past there are various ravens preserved by the government on their expense. There are eight more ravens naming Bran, Gundulf, Thor, Hugine, Baldrick, Munin, Branwen and Gwylum. Within the Towers there are various other towers, which are tourist attractions. Those towers were Wardrobe Tower, Brick Tower, Deveraux Tower, St Thomas's Tower, White Tower, Lanthorn Tower, Well Tower, Broad Arrow Tower, Bell Tower, Cradle Tower and Bowyer Tower.

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