The Tower of London

By Tom Clancy

I first visited Her Majesty's Tower of London in late April 1986, while in London researching my third novel Patriot Games. On arrival, I linked up with Darrel Mills, a senior FBI official then serving as Legal Attache to the US Embassy. It was on our third evening that Darrell took me to see, for the first time, the Ceremony of the Keys after which I tasted my first British beer (actually, as it turned out, more than one!) in the grand surroundings of the Yeoman Warders' Club. There I made my first acquaintance with the Yeoman Warders - the Beefeaters - the ceremonial guardians and custodians who march around in Victorian uniforms - and Tudor State Dress on certain ceremonial occasions. I learned that these men are all retired sergeant majors, the most serious of professional soldiers for whom the red and blue uniforms are the capstones to a career of devoted service to their country, their flag, and their Sovereign. Their traditions reach back hundreds of years, as indeed the Tower dates back over 900 years (and well beyond that when we consider the Roman fortress that once stood on the same site).

A Rich History

The 23-year-old who spent three years living in the Tower of ...

I suppose it's the sense of history that really captured me from that very first moment. History was being made in and around the Tower centuries before Columbus headed west in search of the New World in which I live. You can feel something there at the Tower, living yet dormant in the stones of the many walls. There are fragments of Roman walls dating to the period when a legion was encamped here. The centerpiece of the place is the famous White Tower, commissioned by William I Duke of Normandy (the same Normandy invaded on 6 June 1944). He was known as 'William the Bastard until his victory, thereafter, 'William the Conqueror', proving that success covers a multitude of sins. Only twelve years after he had defeated Harold II at Hastings in 1066. Thenceforward, things happened here, some important, some savage, but all of it history.

A Place of Many Roles

The Tower is and has been many things. A royal palace, jewel house, fortress, mint, armory, record office, observatory, zoo, and state prison. Somewhere within those walls, Queen Anne Boleyn waited both to wed King Henry VIII and, three years later, awaited her execution on Tower Green for a 'crime' she had not, in fact, committed. In the corner of Tower Green stands the Queen's House, originally The Lieutenant's Lodgings, through which many passed on the way to their eventual fates. The list includes Sir Thomas More and John Fisher, both doomed for sainthood, William Penn, fortunately released to found his Quaker colony in the state that carries his father's name, Pennsylvania, and Rudolf Hess, deputy leader of Nazi Germany, eventually condemned at Nuremberg to a life in prison… Here men and women from all walks of life have been imprisoned under conditions ranging from that of opulence (as in the case of The Wizard Earl) through to the most frugal (as endured by the Jews in the thirteenth century and the religious opponents to the monarchs in the sixteenth century) - thereby giving the Tower its best-known identity as the world's most prestigious prison.

The spine-tingling Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London ...

Now, once again its portcullis has been raised and the drawbridge lowered as with the blast of horns and the tolling of bells you are welcomed to make the most of your visit to the Tower of London.

Conclusion

The Tower of London is not just a tourist attraction, but a living testament to centuries of history. From its Roman origins to its role as a prison, the Tower has witnessed significant events and housed both illustrious and infamous individuals. Exploring the Tower allows visitors to immerse themselves in the past and gain a deeper understanding of England's rich heritage. So why wait? Take a step back in time and experience the Tower of London for yourself.

Now that you've learned about the Tower of London, you might be looking for a hotel to stay in during your visit. Finding the perfect accommodation near this historic landmark can enhance your overall experience. With various options ranging from luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, there is something to suit every traveler's preference and budget. Immerse yourself in the charm of London and make your stay truly memorable.

The Tower of London

A Rich History

A Place of Many Roles

Conclusion

London

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