This ancient edifice is situated on the north bank of the Thames, at
the extremity of the city of London.
The antiquity of the building has been a subject of much inquiry, but
the present fortress is believed to have been built by William the
Conqueror, and garrisoned with Normans to secure the allegiance of his
subjects; although it appears that the Romans had a fort on this spot,
if a dim tradition can be credited. The building is governed by the
"Constable of the Tower," who, at coronations and other State
ceremonies, has the custody of the regalia.
The principal entrance is on the west, and consists of two gates, at
which are stationed guards. The keys are kept, during the day, at the
warder's hall, but deposited every night at the Governor's house.
Cannon are placed at intervals around the great wall, and command
every avenue leading to Tower Hill.
On the south side is an arch, called "Traitors' Gate," through which
State prisoners were formerly brought from the river. Near the
Traitors' Gate is the "Bloody Tower," in which it is supposed the two
young Princes, Edward V and his brother, were smothered by order of
Richard III.
In the south-west angle of the inclosure were the royal apartments,
for the Tower was a palace for nearly five hundred years, and only
ceased to be so on the accession of Elizabeth.
The principal buildings within the walls are the church, the white
tower, the ordnance office, the jewel office, the horse armory. The
church is called "St. Peter in Vincules," and is remarkable as the
depository of the headless bodies of numerous illustrious personages
who suffered either in the Tower or on the hill. Among these were Anna
Boleyn, Thomas Cromwell, Catharine Howard, the Duke of Somerset and
the Duke of Monmouth.
The jewel office is a strong, stone room, in which are kept the crown
jewels, regalia, such as the golden orb, the golden sceptre with the
dove, St. Edward's staff, State salt-cellar, sword of mercy, golden
spurs, the golden eagle and golden spoons, also the silver font used
at the baptism of the royal family, the State crown worn by her
Majesty in Parliament. A large collection of ancient plate is also
kept here.
The horse armory is a brick building east of the white tower, adorned
with suits of armor of almost every description; but the most striking
are the effigies of the English kings on horseback, armed cap-a-pie.
The line of mounted celebrities commences with William the Conqueror
and ends with George II. Several of the cuirasses and helmets taken at
Waterloo are kept here. In the armory are also shown a representation
of Queen Elizabeth in armor; the axe which severed the head of Anna
Boleyn, as well as that of the Earl of Essex; the invincible banner
taken from the Spanish Armada, and the wooden cannon used by Henry
VIII at the siege of Boulogne.
The Beauchamp Tower is noted for the illustrious personages formerly
confined within its walls.