Synopsis

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A SYNOPSIS

The Tower of London was a fortress guarding London Bridge and the river approach to the city; it was an arsenal and a magazine, a mint - the mint; and it was a naval station.

In medieval times certain of the King's ships - "Ships of the Tower," as they were called - had their peace moorings off Tower Wharf, where reserves of naval equipment were stored.

The Constable was then also the Admiral of the Tower. Thus, besides being a fortress, the Tower of London was a State depot and workshop - the germ of old Deptford Dockyard and of Woolwich Arsenal.

Moreover, within the Tower was a royal palace, where the sovereigns held court, and on the occasion of their coronation, they rode forth to Westminster.

Next page: The Castle of London

• Tower of London - Introduction
• 1 - Synopsis
• 2 - The Castle of London
• 3 - Officers and Garrison
• 4 - The Fortified Walls
• 5 - The White Tower
• 6 - Tower Green
• 7 - Other Towers