The Tower of London

The Tower of London has become a symbol not only of London, but of the whole of Great Britain. It occupies a special place in British history, so now the Tower is one of the most visited architectural and historical sights of the world.
In essence, the Tower is a fortress. It stands on the north bank of the Thames, is one of England’s oldest buildings and the historical center of London. The history of this fortress is variegated: it was originally built as a defensive castle, and then it served as a zoo, and a mint, and an arsenal, and a prison, and an observatory, and a repository of royal treasures.

Tower History

The Tower was built in 1078, and in 1190 the first prisoner was imprisoned in a fortress. In this prison for high-ranking people and monarchs, only 7 executions were carried out, among the victims of Henry VIII's wife, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, as well as "Queen of Nine Days" Jane Gray. From the first years of its existence, the Tower began to overgrow with all sorts of rumors and legends, sometimes very sinister. Some of them can be heard during excursions to this famous fortress.

Today, the Tower of London looks almost the same as in the 11th century. Its main purpose is a museum with a rich collection and an armory; the treasures of the British crown are kept there. Officially, the fortress continues to be considered one of the royal residences. There are several private apartments where the staff and sometimes distinguished guests live. The Tower offers guided tours, where guides are beefeaters - the English guards. They are dressed in dark blue uniforms of the Victorian era, and on holiday dates - in luxurious Tudor costumes, which causes additional interest in the fortress among tourists.

This castle construction was completed in 1100. Although the King and Queen often stay in this castle, but the castle’s main function is as a stronghold and refuge. The main residence ofthe King and Queen are the Palace of Westminster that more luxurious. In the reign of Richard the Lionheart, the castle is undergoing a lot of expansion to further strengthen its defenses, including building a moat 7.5 meters with a depth of 3.4 meters outside the castle. Because at this time, King Richard more to flee the country to participate in the Crusades, the castle, he handed over to the chancellor, William Longchamp. Tower of London is located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. 

Events in the Tower

In addition to the traditional inspection of exhibits and interiors, you can also have fun in the Tower: for example, from December 27 to December 31, New Year is celebrated in medieval costumes here. Tourists are met by King Richard III, knights and minstrels. Even if you can not skate, do not miss the opportunity to have fun at the Tower rink. People come here in the morning, as a fitness at the beginning of the day, and in the evening, when they want romance: the fortress is highlighted with lights that are reflected in the ice.

Power pets

In 1235, Henry III (1216-72) was delighted to be presented with three 'leopards' (probably lions but referred to as leopards in the heraldry on the king's shield) by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. These inspired the King to start a zoo at the Tower. Over time the collection of animals grew: the lions were joined by a polar bear in 1252 and an African elephant in 1255. Edward I (1239-1307) created a permanent new home for the Menagerie at the western entrance to the Tower, in what became known as the Lion Tower. The terrifying sounds and smells of the animals must have both impressed and intimidated visitors. By 1622, the collection had been extended to include three eagles, two pumas, a tiger and a jackal, as well as more lions and leopards, which were the main attractions. In 1826 the Constable of the Tower, the Duke of Wellington, dispatched 150 of the beasts to a new home in Regent’s Park.

Ravens of the Tower of London

The Ravens of the Tower of London is a black raven population that traditionally lives in the Royal Tower of London and has a symbolic meaning for Britain. Their small population is on state support, and they are being cared for by a specially authorized member of the ceremonial youmen guardian of the Tower, Ravenmaster.

It is believed that Charles II ordered to keep at least six crows in the Tower, although the number of birds varied. So, as a result of the Nazi bombing of London and the wartime fodder, the population was reduced to one bird, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered it to be filled.

The names of the current Ravens:

• Marley
• Erin
• Merlin
• Baldrick
• Munin
• Thor
• Branwen (female, now breeds according to the population conservation program)
• Hugine
• Gwyllum

These ravens are named after the Scandinavian and Celtic gods and mythological characters. The ravens are individually recognized by the ribbons of a particular color attached to the paw. It is believed that if the ravens fly away from the Tower, the Tower and the British Empire will fall. Therefore, according to the old custom, their flight feathers on the wings are periodically cut, this is a painless procedure. The oldest raven in the history  is Jim Crow, who lived to old age - 44 years.

The poultry diet consists of 6 ounces of raw meat and of dry bird food dipped in blood per day. Once a week they are fed with eggs and sometimes with a rabbit with unwrapped skin, which is good for their health. Raven Thor is a great imitator of sounds. He is able to accurately reproduce intonational words of the caretaker.