The Tower of London (Part 2) - A Not so Humble Dwelling

When our thoughts gravitate towards the Tower of London, we immediately consider it to be the bastion of unparalleled protection within the realm, standing as a testament to centuries of maintaining order. However, delving deeper into its history unveils a key purpose that often escapes immediate attention - its pivotal role as a distinguished residence.

Read on further to discover the Tower’s identity as more than just a stronghold, but rather its enduring role as a humble yet resplendent abode.

The Medieval Palace

Within the tapestry of medieval history, countless fortresses scattered across the expanse of the realm all bore the weighty responsibility of withstanding the tides of war and upheaval. In this way the Tower of London is no different from the rest, yet beyond its formidable reputation as an impressive stronghold, it also assumed an additional mantle - that of a royal residence. Its lavish chambers have witnessed the comings and goings of nobles and monarchs alike, echoing with whispers of not only royal routine, but the powerful navigation of authority and diplomacy.

In the heart of this scene was St Thomas’s Tower, Wakefield Tower and the Lanthorn Tower, collectively christened ‘the Medieval Palace’, where a vast complex stood at the core of the Tower’s residential domain. These towers were more than just lodging, they were marvels of majesty, adorned in resplendence, totally befitting even the most illustrious of medieval sovereigns.

Spanning the reigns of both Henry III, and his son Edward I, the grandeur of the palace materialised between the years 1216 and 1307. Do not be deceived however, at this time the Medieval Palace consisted of much more than the three remaining towers we see today.

A vibrant community would have flourished within the high walls of the White Tower’s innermost ward, all set up to serve the royal residence. Here, a constant bustling hive of activity was revealed - kitchens humming with effort, cellars brimming with secrets, and a great hall where histories were woven into existence. 

Security, always paramount, was achieved by towering ramparts and the colossal Coldharbour Gate-Tower standing resolute, their vigilance unwavering, but lets not forget the human element, it would also have been heavily guarded, particularly when the monarch was in residence. Over time most of these edifices have fallen into ruin, earning themselves the title ‘The Lost Palace’. Yet, should your visit lead you to the Tower today, a subtle marker is displayed, tracing the phantom silhouette of structures that once proudly graced this significant site.

St Thomas’s Tower

St Thomas’s Tower stands as a testament to Edward I’s visionary touch, its foundations laid around 1275. As you gaze upon the tower today, a bustling wharf separates it from the rhythmic embrace of the Thames. But in ages past, this construction did not exist, and the tower instead, would have extended its reach to the very waters below. Can you imagine Edward marvelling at the magnificent and unrivaled view of the Thames, from the very chambers he called home. Beneath the shadow of his regal apartments, a stately archway stood, always ready to welcome Edward’s royal barge. Known in later centuries as the haunting Traitors’ Gate, it served as a private gateway to the Tower.

Though time has veiled many of the finer details, surviving records offer us a glimpse into Edward’s dwelling - this comprised a ‘hall with a chamber’. This hall, left unrestored to preserve its raw authenticity, would have echoed with the merriment of the king’s banquets, the sounds of laughter mingling with the clink of goblets. Look a bit closer and you will see the original 13th century fireplace standing proud, while a silent garderobe (lavatory) wall remains, together with a charmingly picturesque vaulted turret, all bearing witness to the passage of centuries.Next, let us step into the realm of Edward’s dreams as his bedchamber unfolds before our eyes. Meticulously reconstructed as a perfect example of how it looked when he dwelt here, brimming with replicas reminiscent of 13th century opulence, and transporting us back in time. Pay heed to the bed itself, as I find this fascinating, it was reproduced based on information gleaned from medieval chronicles that describe the necessity of accommodating the tall, imposing king known as ‘Longshanks’.

As you explore this building, listen as the past speaks and you become a witness to the legacy of a legendary king and his riverside residence.

The Wakefield Tower

Between 1220 and 1240, on Henry III’s orders, the building of royal lodgings for himself and his queen, Eleanor of Provence took place, resulting in the magnificent Wakefield Tower. Imagine this impressive tower, perched right at the waters edge. Here, Henry could embark from his boat and ascend his private stairs, leading to a postern gate allowing safe entry into his luxuriant chambers.

Within the heart of the tower is the grand audience chamber, echoing with history and boasting a meticulous replica of a 13th-century throne and its resplendent canopy. This throne was inspired by the hallowed Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, a creation designed specifically for Edward I.

If you look closely at both the canopy and the royal cushion, you will discover the pattern of the heraldic emblem of the Plantagenet lion, symbolic of an impressive lineage of kings and queens. Above the fireplace, you will also see a depiction of the royal arms.

Glancing between the audience chamber and the King’s Private Chapel, a separating wooden partition is visible, this replica screen draws its details from a directive penned by Henry himself. In his words, “a good and suitable screen of wooden boards between the chamber and chapel” was decreed, a testament to Henry’s obvious piety.

The Lanthorn Tower

Within the formidable confines of the Tower of London’s massive curtain wall, history unfolds in the shape of the circular Lanthorn Tower. This structure was not merely part of the defenses of the Tower, it was also a royal haven, personally designated by Henry as part of his queen’s lodgings. During Edward’s reign, when holding court within the Tower, this eastern sanctuary would have been his retreat, with the apartments eventually evolving into the King’s chambers. The tower that stands before us today is a 19th-century reconstruction, due to a raging fire that consumed the tower in 1774, however, real relics from the era of Henry and Edward offer us a tantalizing glimpse into the lavish world of their courts. 

While the visits of the monarchs within the Medieval Palace were often brief, normally driven by specific purpose rather than idle amusement, the royal apartments demanded nothing less than regal splendour and the opulent trappings of majesty.

The Queen’s House

In the shadow of Tower Green, the half-timbered Queen’s House,  was built around 1530 during the reign of the indomitable Henry VIII. Its very presence, distinctive in its style from all other structures within the Tower, certainly beckons curiosity.

If these walls could whisper their secrets, what captivating tales they might unveil. We would hear stories of Queen Elizabeth I’s royal feasts within its chambers. They might recount the dramatic confession of Guy Fawkes in 1608, his role in the audacious Gunpowder Plot to blow up James I and the magnificent Houses of Parliament.

They would warn of the lingering spectral presence of Arbella Stuart, James’s rebellious first cousin. In 1610, she dared to marry without royal consent, a very grave offense. Captured while attempting to flee England, she found herself imprisoned within the Queen’s House. Legends say she fell ill, sadly, refusing sustenance and medical care, she met her end in 1615. Her ghost, it is whispered, still haunts the very corridors she once trod.The Queen’s House, a rare survivor of the Great Fire of London in 1666, owes its preservation to being within the fortress-like sanctuary of the Tower’s great stone walls. The Tower of London retains its official status as a royal residence, though centuries have passed since a reigning monarch made it their home, at any time they could decide to move in. Here within the Tower grounds, only two sentries stand guard, one on duty outside the Crown Jewels, and the other here at the Queen’s House, he is known as a ‘silent sentry’ - a guardian who does not stamp or make noises in order to not disturb the occupants of the building.

Modern Residents of the Tower

Today, the Queen’s House serves as the dwelling of the Resident Governor of the Tower of London. Once it was the domain of the Lieutenant of the Tower, entrusted with the solemn duty of overseeing illustrious prisoners. The Tower’s evolution from fortress to dwelling has happened over many centuries. Within the confines of the impressive stone walls, the echoes of the past blend with the bustling footsteps of modern inhabitants. As we explore this iconic site, we are fascinated by the history unfolding, and the incredible architecture that has stood for almost 1,000 years.

Yet, amidst the echoes of time, a thriving community exists, well concealed from the casual visitor. Roughly 150 people call this historic neighbourhood home. Among them, the distinguished Yeoman Warders, affectionately known as Beefeaters, standing as ceremonial guardians of the Tower, with their families. A doctor, a chaplain, and the venerable Tower’s Governor all find their abode here, alongside an assembly of dedicated staff and individuals who now form an integral part of its living history.

So, as we conclude this chapter of our Tower of London discovery, take a moment to relish the blend of past and present residing within these walls. And stay tuned for the next installment, where we will delve into the Tower’s infamous role as a prison, a tale that promises intrigue and revelation.

In the meantime, if your intrigue mirrors my own, then brace yourself for a journey into the heart of history. Trust me, this is an experience not to be missed. If you would like to read more you can subscribe here

Max

Tower of London photos © Plantagenet Discoveries, Lanthorn Tower photo Dreamstime Photos - © Andres Conema, Yeoman Warder Photo Dreamstime Photos - © Stuart Pearcey