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Contents
Architectural highlights of the Tower of London
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Tower of London architectural style
The Tower of London's architecture is characterized by its Norman origins, exemplified by the White Tower. This early style, with its massive walls, simple lines, and strategic design, reflects the need for a formidable defensive structure following the Norman Conquest. Over centuries, subsequent expansions introduced elements of Gothic architecture, particularly in the towers and chapels added during the reigns of Henry III and Edward I. The use of varying stone types, like Kentish ragstone and Caen stone, further contributes to its distinct character. The later Victorian restorations aimed to emphasize its medieval appearance.
Who built the Tower of London
Several key figures contributed to the Tower of London's architectural development over the centuries:
William the Conqueror
Founded the Tower towards the end of 1066 and commissioned the construction of the White Tower in 1078, establishing the castle's Norman core as a symbol of his power.
Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester
Entrusted by William the Conqueror to oversee the construction of the White Tower, bringing his expertise in building in stone, a hallmark of early Norman architecture.
Richard I (William Longchamp)
During his reign, the castle's size was effectively doubled with the digging of a moat to the west of the innermost ward, a significant expansion of its defensive structure.
Henry III
Undertook substantial expansions in the 13th century, creating the inner ward's east and north walls and adding numerous towers, significantly shaping the Tower's layout.
Edward I
Further extended the Tower, creating the outer ward and a new defensive perimeter, including Legge's Mount and a new moat, solidifying its late medieval form.
Anthony Salvin
Led a significant restoration effort in the 19th century, aiming to return the Tower to its perceived medieval appearance by removing post-medieval structures.
John Taylor
Succeeded Salvin in the restoration work, continuing the focus on reinstating medieval architectural elements, sometimes through the removal of later additions.
Structure of the Tower of London
The Tower of London is structured as a complex of buildings enclosed within two concentric rings of defensive stone walls and a moat. This layout, established by the late 13th century, comprises three distinct wards: the innermost ward, featuring the White Tower; the encircling inner ward, with its curtain walls and thirteen towers; and the outermost ward, encompassing the entire castle. Construction primarily utilized Kentish ragstone and local mudstone, with Caen stone imported for finer details, later replaced by Portland stone. Reigate stone was also employed for ashlar and carvings. The strategic terracing into a mound further enhanced its defensive capabilities.
The exterior of the Tower of London
The White Tower
Dominating the Tower complex, the White Tower is a prime example of early Norman keep design. It has a rectangular structure, with flat buttresses and projecting square towers at the western corners. Originally three stories high with an elevated entrance, it was later modified to add enlarged windows and a top floor. Kentish ragstone with Caen stone detailing (later replaced) was used.
The curtain walls and towers
The concentric rings of defensive walls, added in the 12th and 13th centuries, showcase medieval military architecture. The inner ward's curtain wall, punctuated by thirteen towers like the Bell, Beauchamp, and Bloody Towers, provided strategic vantage points for defense. Edward I's outer wall further strengthened the castle, featuring bastions such as Legge's Mount with its rare surviving medieval battlements.
St. Thomas's Tower (Traitors' Gate)
Built by Edward I, St. Thomas's Tower served as a significant water-gate, providing river access to the castle. Its unique design, with arrowslits facing the water and a portcullis, highlights its defensive purpose. The luxurious lodgings on the first floor indicate its secondary role as a royal residence. Its stone construction and strategic positioning on the Thames underscore its importance as an entry and defense point.
The Moat
Originally dug by William Longchamp and later enhanced by Edward I, the moat surrounding the Tower served as a defensive barrier. Its significant width and depth (originally deeper in the middle) would have presented a formidable obstacle to attackers. While partially filled in over time, the remaining moat still provides a visual reminder of the Tower's defensive planning and its relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Tower of London’s interiors
The White Tower
Inside, the original three-story layout reveals the functional design of a Norman keep. It is divided into three chambers per floor, the largest in the west, with latrines and fireplaces indicating its residential purpose. The round tower housing the spiral staircase and the semi-circular apse of St John's Chapel are notable architectural features. While the basement's interior largely dates to the 18th century, St John's Chapel retains a stark simplicity of its Norman origins.
St John's Chapel
Located within the White Tower, St John's Chapel is a significant example of early Norman ecclesiastical architecture. Its rounded apse, plain stone walls, and barrel-vaulted ceiling evoke a sense of grandeur. Despite later decorations, its current unadorned state echoes its original Norman design, a contrast to the more ornate chapels built in subsequent periods. Its integration within the keep highlights the importance of religious space even within a military stronghold.
The royal lodgings (Innermost Ward)
While largely removed in the 17th century, historical accounts of the royal lodgings within the innermost ward reveal their evolution into a palatial residence. Renovated and elaborated during Henry III's reign, these chambers, including the queen's whitewashed chamber painted with decorative elements and a great hall, demonstrate the Tower's dual role as fortress and royal dwelling. The construction of Wakefield and Lanthorn Towers as private residences further underscores this shift towards greater comfort.
The Jewel House (Waterloo Block)
Constructed in the castellated Gothic Revival style with Tudor details in the 19th century, the Waterloo Block currently houses the Crown Jewels. Its architectural style reflects the Victorian interest in medieval aesthetics, with battlements and detailing intended to harmonize with the Tower's architecture. This purpose-built structure showcases how later architectural movements adapted historical styles to new functions within the Tower complex.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Tower of London’s architecture
What is the Tower of London’s architectural style?
The Tower of London's primary architectural style is Norman, evident in the White Tower's design. Over time, Gothic elements were incorporated, with Victorian restorations emphasizing its medieval appearance.
Who designed the Tower of London?
The initial design is attributed to William the Conqueror and overseen by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, for the White Tower. Subsequent expansions and modifications were influenced by monarchs like Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I, with later restoration by Anthony Salvin and John Taylor.
Why is the Tower of London's architecture famous?
Its architecture is famous for being a complete example of an 11th-century fortress palace and for showcasing the evolution of defensive structures and royal residences across several centuries of British history.
What was the Tower of London inspired by?
The initial design of the White Tower, a Norman keep, was inspired by contemporary castle architecture in Normandy, emphasizing strong defenses and royal accommodation, a common feature of the Norman Conquest.
When was the Tower of London built?
Construction began towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest, with the White Tower's construction starting in 1078. This makes parts of the Tower over 950 years old.
How long did it take to construct the Tower of London?
The White Tower took approximately 20 years to build. The entire complex evolved over centuries, with significant expansions occurring in the 12th and 13th centuries, and ongoing modifications and restorations since then.
What are the dimensions of the Tower of London?
The castle encloses an area of 12 acres (4.9 hectares). The White Tower itself measures 36 by 32 metres (118 by 105 ft) at the base and is 27 metres (89 ft) high at its southern battlements.
What are the main architectural elements of the Tower of London?
Key architectural elements include the Norman keep (White Tower), concentric defensive walls with numerous towers (like the Beauchamp and Bloody Towers), the moat, and water-gates such as St Thomas's Tower, reflecting its dual roles as fortress and residence.
What’s inside the Tower of London?
Inside, you can explore historic chambers within the White Tower, including St John's Chapel, the Jewel House with the Crown Jewels, and various towers that served as lodgings and prisons, offering insights into royal life and historical events.
What is on the exterior of the Tower of London?
The exterior features massive stone walls, numerous defensive towers, the White Tower, the surrounding moat, and significant gateways like Traitors' Gate, all demonstrating its formidable defensive architecture and historical significance.