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Historical monuments are constantly renovated. The Tower of London has certainly been expanded and renovated over a period of time. The Tower of London is also called the White Tower. Note that its’ first foundations were laid in 1078. The Queen of England might not reside in the tower, but it is formally known as her majesty’s palace and fortress. The tower served as a castle, fortress and a treasury. It was also a prison. The White London Tower has had the distinction of holding and retaining upper class prisoners. Executions have taken place in the tower. Queen Elizabeth I has also graced the tower’s prisons for a period of time. History of White Tower The Tower of London was originally a Roman fortress build by Claudius to safeguard the city from dangers. William, the Duke of Normandy, replaced the tower’s wooden construction with stones that were imported from France. The credit for whitewashing the tower goes to King Henry III, who included the great hall and a church to the tower. Today visitors see onion caps on the top of four turrets. These caps were originally conical in shape. King Henry III built the Lion Tower with his gifts presented by his guests. Today the Lion Tower acts as a sanctuary for Royal Ravens whose wings are clipped. Apparently, the Royal Ravens are victims of a traditional English superstition. Many British Kings reconstructed the London Tower to suit their fancies. Executions and Superstitions in London Tower The White Tower has given rise to imaginations and superstitions. The London Tower was the place for many executions. Low class criminals were executed outside the tower whereas upper class criminals obtained the unique honor of being executed inside the Tower of London. If men were publicly executed, women were privately beheaded on Tower Green. Anne Boleyn, William Hastings and Lady Jane Grey were the nobles executed for treason. It is rumored that Queen Anne Boleyn's ghost still haunts the London Tower. The Duke of Clarence was also executed in the tower. Richard III had imprisoned his nephews, King Edward IV's sons, in the tower prison. Historians have recorded different versions of the princes’ execution. But, the fate of King Edward IV’s sons is uncertain. The tragedy of the princes has inspired many artists. Tourist Spot The fascinating buildings apart, the armor collection and the crown jewels attract visitors. Yeomen Warders participate in the ceremony of keys. The London Tower consist of the following towers: Beauchamp tower, Bell tower, Bloody tower, Bowyer tower, Brick tower, Broad Arrow tower, Byward tower, Constable tower, Cradle tower, Develin tower, Deveraux tower, Flint tower, Lanthorn tower, Martin tower, Middle tower, St Thomas's tower, Salt tower, Wakefield tower, Wardrobe tower, Well tower and White tower. Tower Traditions The tower has many traditions and ceremonies. Let us check out some of them: Ceremony of Lilies and Roses: The ceremony of lilies and roses is dedicated to the memory of King Henry VI. Enemies executed the King in Wakefield Towers during the prayers. The king was also the founder of Eton’s college and King’s college. The scholars of Eton celebrate the King’s birthday by laying a sheaf of white lilies on his tomb. The scholars had not abandoned this tradition even during the Second World War. The Beating of the Bounds: Ascension Day, which fell on May 1984, witnessed the historic ceremony of the beating of bounds. The ceremony witnessed a procession after a short service in the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula. The procession comprised of choirboys from St Johns, Upper Norwood. The procession was led by Chief Yeoman Warder. Tower officers and their ladies were also formally escorted by the members of Yeoman Body. Members conclude the ceremony by singing the first verse of the national anthem. The Ceremony of Keys: Historians were unable to record the exact origins of the ceremony though it is said to date back as far as 1544. The ceremony begins at 7 minutes to ten. The chief warder emerges with the Queen’s keys, as he marches towards the tower. He is escorted by two sentries. Then, the chief warder locks the doors of Middle Tower and the Byward Tower with great fanfare. He carries the keys to the house of the resident governor after many procedures. The colorful ceremony has never failed to enthrall visitors though it mainly serves the security purpose. The ceremonies and ambience of London Tower has fascinated people for years. The fortress of the tower has helped guard Kings and the prisons have frequently executed noblemen. However, the Tower of London is the greatest testimony to England’s history. Related
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