William the Conqueror of Normandy, who was the Norman king at the time of the Tower’s foundation in 1078 ordered the White Tower (a stark square fortress) to be built. As much as to safeguard London, it also served to shield the Normans against the City of London’s inhabitants. Caen, imported directly from France, was used for the building of The Tower. See Crown Jewel Tour to get more info.
Richard the Lionheart built a curtain around the Tower and filled it with Thames-water in the 12thcentury. Henry III increased the strength of the curtain and Edward I constructed an outer barrier wall that created a dual defence. Oliver Cromwell destroyed the old palatial structures in 17th-century. The Tower of London was a royal residence for many years.
Tower Of London and ravens go hand in hand. Since the 12th and the 13th centuries at least 6 ravens were believed to be living in the Tower. Charles II is said to have ordered their removal in response to complaints made by the Royal Astronomer John Flamsteed. Charles II learned of the legend that, if ever the ravens leave the Tower and fall the Kingship or monarchy. Charles refused to remove the ravens after the English Civil War.
Tower of London is perhaps most well-known for its use as a place of imprisonment for people of religious or high rank. Ranulf Flambard, Bishop Durham in 1100 was the very first prisoner. Henry VI (of England), Sir Walter Raleigh, Guy Fawkes and other notable prisoners are included. Rudolph Hess the Nazi party’s deputy leader was the tower’s last state prisoner. He died in 1941. It also had a number of torture chambers. Public executions of Henry Eighth’s women and other prisoners were carried out on the Tower’s premises.