The Tower of London

The Tower of London

MDV 2100

Raphael Denize (6406365)

To: Professor May

Due: November 17, 2014

Introduction:

A large number of castles were erected following the Norman Conquest early in the 11th century. Medieval royalty had a variety of castles and palaces from which they could choose to reside in. Each of these castles had been given a specific function. Amongst these castles, the Tower of London has proven time and time again to be a preferred castle for medieval kings due to its location and its many features. The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate how unique the Tower of London is and explain its raison d’être. Throughout history, the Tower has had three primary purposes: (1) a palace of political and social power and significance, (2) place of execution and incarceration, (3) and a fortress of refuge and war.

The Tower of London is often referred to as the “proudest moment of antiquity” in England. The renowned popular romance called “The Tower of London” by Ainsworth emerged in the in the 1840s “as the author himself tells us, to depict the Tower as a palace, prison and fortress. This romantic book is an excellent source in demonstrating the purposes of this tall tower.

(1) A Palace of Political and Social Power and Significance

Although the Tower of London was important for military purposes due to its ideal location and strong fortification, it was also designed to serve as a palace and a royal residential dwelling. Its white tower serves a “symbolic function…as a permanent and intrusive reminder of the presence of the Normans” as it can be seen all throughout England.

Historians are still very unsure of the use of many of the rooms in the White Tower. One peculiar thing is that some essential rooms such as kitchens are not present in the tower. Historians however still believe that it operated as a residence for the nobles of the time. The White Tower was not only erected for residential purposes but also functioned as a...