It has been, for years, the cherished wish of the writer of the
following pages, to make the Tower of London—the proudest monument of
antiquity, considered with reference to its historical associations,
which this country or any other possesses,—the groundwork of a Romance;
and it was no slight satisfaction to him, that circumstances, at length,
enabled him to carry into effect his favourite project, in conjunction
with the inimitable Artist, whose designs accompany the work.
Desirous of exhibiting the Tower in its triple light of a palace, a
prison, and a fortress, the Author has shaped his story with reference
to that end; and he has also endeavoured to contrive such a series of
incidents as should naturally introduce every relic of the old pile,—its
towers, chapels, halls, chambers, gateways, arches, and drawbridges—so
that no part of it should remain un-illustrated.
How far this design has been accomplished—what interest has been given
to particular buildings—and what mouldering walls have been informed
with life—is now to be determined:—unless, indeed, it may be considered
determined by the numbers who have visited the different buildings,
as they have been successively depicted by pen and pencil, during the
periodical appearance of the work.
One important object the Author would fain hope his labours may achieve.
This is the introduction of the public to some parts of the fortress at
present closed to them. There seems no reason why admission should not
be given, under certain restrictions, to that unequalled specimen of
Norman architecture, Saint John’s Chapel in the White Tower,—to the
arched galleries above it,—to the noble council-chamber, teeming with
historical recollections,—to the vaulted passages—and to the winding
staircases within the turrets—so perfect, and so interesting to the
antiquary. Nor is there stronger reason why the prison-chamber in the
Beauchamp Tower, now used as a mess-room, the walls of which, like a
mystic scroll, are covered with inscriptions—each a tragic story
in itself, and furnishing matter for abundant reflection—should not
likewise be thrown open. Most of the old fortifications upon the inner
ballium-wall being converted into private dwellings,—though in many
cases the chambers are extremely curious, and rich in inscriptions,—are,
of course, inaccessible. But this does not apply to the first-mentioned
places. They are the property of the nation, and should be open to
national inspection.
It is piteous to see what havoc has already been made by alterations
and repairs. The palace is gone—so are many of the towers—and unless
the progress of destruction is arrested, the demolition of others will
follow. Let us attempt to preserve what remains.
Opposite the matchless White Tower—William of Orange by the side of
William the Conqueror,—is that frightful architectural abomination, the
Grand Store-House.
It may not be possible to remove this ugly and incongruous structure. It
is not possible to take away others that offend the eye at every turn.
It is not possible to restore the Tower to its pristine grandeur. But
it is possible to prevent further mutilation and desecration. It is
possible to clear the reverend and massive columns of Saint John’s
Chapel, which look like giants of departed days, from the thick coat
of white-wash in which they are crusted,—to sweep away the presses with
which its floors are cumbered, and to find some other equally secure,
but less interesting—less sacred, in every sense, depository for
the Chancery rolls. It is possible to render the same service to the
magnificent council-chamber, and the passages leading to it,—it is
possible to clear the walls of the Beauchamp Tower,—and it is, also,
possible and desirable, that the public should be admitted to these
places, in which they have so strong an interest. The visiter to the
Tower sees little—and can see little of its most curious features. But
it is the hope of the writer, that the day is not far off, when all that
is really worth seeing will be accessible. In this view, the present
publication may not be without use.
To those, who conceive that the Author has treated the character of
Queen Mary with too great leniency, he can only affirm that he has
written according to his conviction of the truth. Mary’s worst fault as
a woman—her sole fault as a sovereign—was her bigotry: and it is time
that the cloud, which prejudice has cast over her, should be dispersed.
“Let us judge of her dispassionately and disinterestedly,” says Griffet
*; “let us listen to the testimony of those who have known her, and have
had the best means of examining her actions and her discourse. Let us do
this, and we may perhaps discover that the reproaches which Protestant
writers have heaped upon her have been excessive; and after a strict
and impartial examination of her character, we may recognise in her
qualities worthy of praise.” To this authority may be added that of Mr.
Patrick Fraser Tytler, and Sir Frederick Madden, the latter of whom,
in his able introduction to the “Privy Purse Expenses of the Princess
Mary,” has most eloquently vindicated her.
* Nouveaux Eclaircissements sur l’Histoire de Marie, Reine
d’Angleterre. Adressés à M. David Hume. 1760.
Presuming upon the favour which the present work has experienced, the
Author begs to intimate that he has other chronicles of the old fortress
in contemplation, which he hopes to find leisure to produce. Those who
desire further insight into its history and antiquities, are referred
to Mr. Bayley’s excellent and comprehensive work on the subject,—a
publication not so much known as it deserves to be, and from which much
important information contained in the present volume has been derived.
It would be unpardonable in both Author and Illustrator, were they to
omit to allude to the courtesy and attention they have experienced from
the gentlemen connected with the different departments of the Tower,
as well as from the occupants of the various fortifications. They beg,
therefore, to offer their cordial acknowledgments to Major Elrington,
fort-major and acting governor; to Edmund L. Swift, Esq., keeper of
the regalia; to Robert Porrett, Esq., F. S. A., of the Principal
Store-keeper’s Office; and George Stacey, Esq., of the same; to Thomas
Hardy, Esq., F. S. A., keeper of the records in the Tower; to Lieutenant
Hall, barrack-master; and to many others.
The Author’s best thanks are, also, due to Sir Henry Bedingfeld, Bart.,
of Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk, (the lineal descendant of the Lieutenant
of the Tower introduced in the following pages,) for his obliging
communications respecting his ancestor.
“And so,” to adopt the words of old Stow, in his continuation of
Holinshed’s Chronicle, “craving a favourable acceptation of this tedious
travail, with a toleration of all such faults, as haply therein lie
hidden, and by diligent reading may soon be spied (especially by the
critics), we wish that they which best may, would once in their life
grow resolute and at a point in this laudable kind of study, most
necessary for common knowledge, little or much to exercise their head
and hand. Finally, beseeching God to bless these realms, and its ever
precious jewel, our gracious Queen Victoria, and the infant princess
newly given to us; to save them as the apple of his eye; and to protect
them with the target of his power against all ill,—the Chronicler, in
all humility, takes his leave.”
Kensal Lodge, Harrow Road, November 28, 1840.
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