The Tower of London
17th August 2026 by | Uncategorized
THE TOWER WAS A ROYAL PALACE LONG BEFORE IT BECAME A BYWORD FOR PRISON
The popular imagination often presents the Tower of London principally as a dungeon. Yet it was built as a royal fortress and developed into a magnificent palace as well as a secure stronghold.
For centuries, monarchs traditionally lodged at the Tower before processing through the City of London for their coronations. Royal apartments, chapels, gardens and great halls once stood within the walls alongside armouries, treasuries and the Mint.
Charles II revived this ancient custom at the Restoration. On 22 April 1661, he travelled from the Tower to Whitehall in a spectacular coronation procession—the last English monarch to make the traditional pre-coronation journey from the fortress.
The Tower therefore represents much more than imprisonment and execution. It has been a palace, mint, armoury, treasury, menagerie, military stronghold and ceremonial gateway to kingship.
Which chapter of the Tower’s history interests you most?
Best wishes
Gemma
Founder, The Princes in the Tower Society
Member of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust
www.murderinthetower.london
#TowerOfLondon #CharlesII #RestorationHistory #RoyalPalace #BritishHistory
Tower overview: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/history-and-stories/the-story-of-the-tower-of-london/
Charles II research: https://www.hrp.org.uk/about-us/research/staff-research-profiles/dr-alden-gregory/