2024-09-25 02:22:24
It was a prison, a zoo, and a place associated with ghost stories. It currently houses the British Crown Jewels. The Tower of London is therefore one of the most guarded places in the world.
If someone planned a major heist of Britain’s royal jewels, they would soon realize that they were centuries away from success. In the 15th century, jewels passed down from kings and queens to their followers moved from Westminster Abbey, which was not so well protected from thieves, to the Tower of London.
Jewels worth four billion pounds (118 billion crowns) are kept in the most secure castle in the whole of Britain to this day. As well as other royal family jewelry or ceremonial uniforms.
Crown of the British King. | Photo: Profimedia.cz
Valuables are hidden behind bulletproof glass, which even an explosion cannot break through, and are monitored by more than a hundred hidden cameras. Special guards are also in charge of security – twenty-two army personnel, the so-called Tower Guard, and thirty-eight Yeomen Warders, nicknamed Beefeaters. They used to be the monarch’s personal guard, but since the 16th century they have been overseeing the safety of the crown jewels. Even during transfers, for example when the monarch speaks in parliament, it is written on the pages of the royal palaces.
But the Yeomen do much more in the Tower. As retired members of the armed forces with at least twenty-two years of service, they also unlock and lock the castle or fire cannons during ceremonies. At the same time, they act as guides around the Tower, which they know well because they live here together with their families. They also have a doctor, a chaplain or a pub available there.
In addition, the place is protected by double strong walls, ditches and the already mentioned cannons.
The Tower is still not inaccessible, the UNESCO-listed monument is visited by more than three million tourists every year. Blades longer than 7.6 centimeters, fireworks and pepper spray are not allowed inside.
A zoo and a weapons depot
Before becoming a London tourist attraction, the Tower had a varied past. In the 11th century, William I the Conqueror had it built as a place to take refuge in the event of a popular uprising. Stones for construction traveled to London all the way from France.
The monarchs in the Tower, who took the castle as a luxurious residence, were also kept company by animals they received as a gift from other countries. Therefore, the fortress also became the first zoo in London. Until 1835, elephants, lions, tigers or a polar bear lived here, writes the London Pass server.
The place also served as a weapons factory and warehouse, as well as a treasury where money from all over the country was deposited. Monarchs also imprisoned or executed their opponents here. Henry VI lost his life here. English, two queens and wives of Henry VIII. Tudor Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard and Queen Jane Grey.
Raven keeper Barney Chandler feeds the ravens at the Tower of London, July 29, 2024. Legend has it that if the ravens leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall. | Photo: Profimedia.cz
Executions of Nazis
Because of the strong fortifications, the Tower also served as a prison, people were kept there even during the Second World War. Twelve German spies were also imprisoned there, including Rudolf Hess, the second successor to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. One of the Nazis, Josef Jakobs, was the last person to be executed in the Tower.
This is also why the Tower is associated with ghost stories and rumors of torture and executions. In connection with the castle, there is also talk of the ubiquitous ravens. Yeomen are in charge of them, and the birds are protected by law. Due to the superstition that “if the ravens fly from the Tower, the castle and the kingdom will fall”, the birds have their wings clipped.
Photo author: Aktuálně.cz
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