Trifter

The Tower

All Photos by Marlon Taylor 2008

Behind these walls lies 1,000 years worth of British history. The Tower was built by William the conquer . It’s famous for being the place where Guy Fawkes was imprisoned and subjected to the torture chambers. It’s also known for the murder of royal family members and the strange disappearance of two young princesses that were never found.

As well as being a place of execution, the fortress is also a Treasure House. It holds many crown jewels that belonged to the kings and queens that reigned during their time and are still used today during state occasions.

There are many priceless pieces of history like the silver anointing Coronation spoon that has been around since the 12thcentury and a golden bird like creature known as the Ampulla which was created in 1661. These are just a few of the things to see and experience.

Bowyers Tower

This is one of the torture chambers used to extract a confession from suspected criminals and those who had information against the reign. Those who were traitors were drowned in a barrel of water.

Heads Will Roll

Beheading was a very popular execution. In some cases, there would be an extra axe man at hand in case the first one fainted or became nauseous.

The Smallest and Tallest Warriors

Believe it or not, these two suits of armour did belong to men of the same size. The tall one is 6ft 9inches and was made in Germany in 1535. The small one is just 0.95m which is 3ft 1 inch.

Boy Warrior

Could this really be the armour that belonged to a child? Well according to the facts, it is. Even children fought for their land and rights to exist.

Horses Of Battle

These are the horses that belonged to the knights that stand along side them.

The Knights

Foot combat armour worn by King Henry VIII in 1540. Just about every part of his body was protected.

This is another armour that King Henry VIII wore to battle. It was specially designed for riding on horse back. The horse itself also had its own armour to protect it from enemy onslaught and discomfort from the riders armour.

The armour of King Charles 1st in 1612

An armour made for Henry, Prince Of Wales 1609

Wall Of Arms

This is a military wall of arms with a large selection of guns, knives and swords which dates back to1075.

Pillar Of Guns

These were kept in the basement of the White Tower hanging from the many pillars that were in there.

And this is where they kept the gunpowder. I wouldn’t be surprised if the barrels were still filled with it.

St John’s Chapel

State papers were kept here from the reign of Elizabeth 1 st (1558-1603) until 1858. The sublime glow almost sets you back to the time of its origin.

© Marlon Taylor 2008