History
The Tower of London started in the 11th century as a castle and palace. The tower was begun by William the Conqueror. Over the years the tower has seen changes and expansions. First, the prison was added in 1100. Secondly, ever since the 1600’s many Jewel have been stored in the tower. Third, exotic animals first made their appearance in 1255. Lastly, up until 1810 the royal mint was located at the tower.
The Prison
People who ended up in the tower were usually imprisoned there for religious beliefs or suspected treason. Well known prisoners include Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn, and Elizabeth the First. The Prison in The Tower of London had its flaws. The Prison was prone to escaping prisoners, the first of whom being Ranulf Flambard …show more content…
In this large collection you will find the crowns of several rulers as well as the Star of Africa which is the world's largest cut diamond. Surely with all these Jewels in one place someone would try to steal them. In 1671 that is exactly what happened, a former member of parliament, Thomas Blood, assembled a team to steal the Crown Jewels. Blood and his team ran off with some of the royal treasures but were soon captured. King Charles was so impressed with Bloods risky behavior that he rewarded him by restoring his estates in Ireland and made him a member of his court.
Stories of The Tower
The Tower of London is full of old stories and mysteries. One being about a group of six ravens that live in the tower and protect it. It is said that if the ravens ever leave the tower will fall to ruble. The moat that surrounds the Tower of London once contained a variety of exotic animals including Britain's first polar bear. A more mysterious story takes place in late 15th century. Two brothers one King Edward and the other Duke of York were both held in the tower as prisoners but mysteriously disappeared. What was thought to be their skeletons were found under the staircase over 100 years later.
The Tower of London started in the 11th century as a castle and palace. The tower was begun by William the Conqueror. Over the years the tower has seen changes and expansions. First, the prison was added in 1100. Secondly, ever since the 1600’s many Jewel have been stored in the tower. Third, exotic animals first made their appearance in 1255. Lastly, up until 1810 the royal mint was located at the tower.
The Prison
People who ended up in the tower were usually imprisoned there for religious beliefs or suspected treason. Well known prisoners include Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn, and Elizabeth the First. The Prison in The Tower of London had its flaws. The Prison was prone to escaping prisoners, the first of whom being Ranulf Flambard …show more content…
In this large collection you will find the crowns of several rulers as well as the Star of Africa which is the world's largest cut diamond. Surely with all these Jewels in one place someone would try to steal them. In 1671 that is exactly what happened, a former member of parliament, Thomas Blood, assembled a team to steal the Crown Jewels. Blood and his team ran off with some of the royal treasures but were soon captured. King Charles was so impressed with Bloods risky behavior that he rewarded him by restoring his estates in Ireland and made him a member of his court.
Stories of The Tower
The Tower of London is full of old stories and mysteries. One being about a group of six ravens that live in the tower and protect it. It is said that if the ravens ever leave the tower will fall to ruble. The moat that surrounds the Tower of London once contained a variety of exotic animals including Britain's first polar bear. A more mysterious story takes place in late 15th century. Two brothers one King Edward and the other Duke of York were both held in the tower as prisoners but mysteriously disappeared. What was thought to be their skeletons were found under the staircase over 100 years later.