The Tower Comes to the King's Aid
Edward II also took full advantage of the Tower's strength, sheltering there frequently during the turbulent times of his reign. He moved his lodgings to near the Lanthorn tower, using the old rooms for court. Edward III and Richard II made minor changes, perhaps the greatest being the creation of a wharf which covered the entire south side of the castle: no longer did the defensive walls come into direct contact with the Thames. This project was overseen by the Clerk of the King's Works, Geoffrey Chaucer, the same man who wrote []
The Canterbury Tales. The tower features prominently in any narrative of Richard II's reign: he retreated there during the Peasants Revolt in 1381, again during disturbances in 1387 and surrendered his crown in the White Tower on October 1 1399. Little new happened at the Tower during the rule of Henry IV and V.
The Wars of the Roses
After decades of peace, battle came to the Tower during the Wars of the Roses, when cannon were used unsuccessfully against it in 1460 and 71. This led directly to Edward VI's creation of a brick 'Bulwark' at the Western entrance in 1480, designed solely to mount, and resist the impact of, cannon. Although advanced, the Bulwark is a sign that the Tower's medieval design was starting to show its age. Kings', however, still made great use of it. Edward IV, Richard III and Henry VII held opulent courts and victory celebrations inside, whilst also imprisoning their enemies there. Henry VI was held and murdered at the Tower while Edward V and his brother, the young 'Princes in the Tower', were initially lodged in the Tower for protection, remained detained there by Richard III and then vanished, presumed murdered.
Back to Index / Next Page
