St Thomas's TowerThe St Thomas's Tower
The History of the Tower of London is great, bloody and cruel and the St Thomas's Tower has its part to play in its story. St Thomas's Tower is just one of the 21 towers which, together, form the Tower of London castle complex. The Tower of London covers an area of 18 acres and its magnificent architecture covers almost all the styles which have flourished in England. Although the Tower is no longer a place of great military strength it has in time past been a fortress, a palace, and a prison. This section provides key facts and information about the St Thomas's Tower. The Purpose of the St Thomas's Tower
The purpose of the St Thomas's Tower changed according to the requirements of the era. In general terms the towers were built for accommodation, including prisons, and as gateways protecting the Tower of London concentric castle complex. The concentric castle design ensured protection of the Tower of London with successive lines of fortification - many of the different towers were gradually added, over many hundreds of years, providing additional protection. Specific facts and info about which English King was responsible for building the towers, when the towers were built, the style of architecture and interesting info about its history. Key Facts and Information about the St Thomas's Tower St Thomas's Tower was built by King Edward I - He also built the infamous river entrance to the Tower of London known as Traitors' Gate The date St Thomas's Tower was built was between 1275 - 1279 The Chief Architect and Master Builder of St Thomas's Tower was Master James of St George The Architecture / Style of the Medieval Tower is described as Gothic The purpose of St Thomas's Tower was defensive and to provide direct access from the River Thames History - King Edward I (1272-1307) completed the defensive works begun by Henry III and filled the new moat The Irish spy Roger Casement was held here during World War I. He was later executed for spying for Germany Below St. Thomas's Tower is a stone archway with a strong double gate, known as the Traitor's Gate, This famous entrance to the Tower was used for the admission of State prisoners who were brought to the Tower of London by the River Thames. The flight of steps from the Traitor's Gate leads to the Bloody Tower...
The St Thomas's Tower
The very walls of the St Thomas's Tower contain some of the bloody secrets and the of the history of the Tower of London. Which King was responsible for building the St Thomas's Tower and what was his reason? When was it built? Interesting facts and info about the history of the Tower of London! |
