Today we visited the Tower of London, which actually is a fortress and not a tower at all! There are three walls surrounding the “white keep”. I learned much about British culture including many things about the keep itself. Throughout history 1000 soldiers were stationed there, and it was used as a training ground for World War 1 volunteers. Despite the world still being at war, they decided to keep the tours of the Tower ongoing even though the entire war!
Going further back in time, a fire burned down much of the fort in 1841 on October 30th. It was so bad it resulted in the removal of the crown jewels and many of the other artifacts in the Tower at the time. At the time the moat was fully functioning and during which there was an outbreak of waterborne diseases. Which, believe it or not,was worsened by the large body of water known as the moat. The Duke at the time was against the draining of the moat despite the awful smell and notable harm it was causing. It turns out he was afraid of taking away a layer of defense in fear of his life.
Around 400 people were executed around this keep through the 1000 year it had been around. From that large number, only twenty two of them were actually inside the keep. But many others were kept as prisoners. One of these more interesting persons was Henry Percy. He was a Earl of Northumberland who spent 16 years as a prisoner! He was suspected of being involved in the “gunpowder plot” to blow up Parliament in 1605. Despite him being a potential domestic terrorist, he lived a life of luxury. He was kept in Martin tower and had his own personnel servants to help take care of him. He was even allowed to rent the nearby tower for his son and installed a bowling alley! Known as the “wizard Earl” he did many science experiments to pass the time while under guard. Despite his long prison sentence he was eventually released and died with his Wife at his home in Northumberland.
Favorite part of the tower was its vast history over the ages. From Zoos, to executing 16 year olds, this place has seen it all.
Theatre in London U of A 