Sightseeing in London
Tower of London
Was built by William the Conqueror (Vallutaja), following his successful invasion in 1066. He and his army landed in England from France. In 1078 he started to build the Tower of London. The Tower was strategically built near the river Thames and consists of almost 20 towers in total. The first building was White Tower – the great stronghold that gave the place its name. The name comes from the white stone used in the tower.
The White Tower
White Tower out the window
The last king, who lives in the Tower, was James I in the 17thcentury. Over the centuries, this amazing building, guarded (valvatud) by celebrated (kuulsad) Beefeaters, has been fortress (kindlus), prison, palace – and even a zoo ( 1834). Many historic events took place here too ( such as murder of princes, EdwardIV´s sons.). It was custom for kings and queens to spend the night, or a few days, before their coronation in these royal apartments. But perhaps its mostinfamous use was as torture (piinamis-) center for the powers that be. This torture occurred (leidsid aset) as late as 1726.
Today the Tower of London is one of the world´s most famous and spectacular fortress. Around the Tower is a castle-moat, only without water. It makes it still much harder for enemies to come to the castle. The walls show the Tower was really made for defence. The guards at the Tower are called Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters. They were originally established in 1485 as King Henry VIII´s bodyguard and are best known for their scarlet and gold dress uniforms which date to 1552.
One of the main attractions at the Tower are the Crown Jewels, which have been housed there since the 14th century. They are still used by the Queen and the Royal Family.
/ / The Crown Jewels have in the past resided in both the White Tower and in the Martin Tower. Today they have their home in Jewel House which is a part of the Waterloo Barracks (left side of photo). [Greeley/Gilmore]