Construction on the Tower of London began nearly 1000 years ago. Successive Kings and Queens expanded the original structure that began in the year 1078. Tower of London was always a Royal Castle Fortress. The Tower has undergone constant changes and now is the oldest Palace Fortress in Europe. The UK still considers treason a Capital offence that is punishable by death today (in Tower grounds, no doubt).

The Norman King William The Conqueror, invaded England (1066 AD). He defeated the Anglo Saxon King Harold in battle at Hastings. Then on CHRISTMAS DAY 1066 he became the King of England.

It was mainly because the location of his residence on the Thames River is as far downriver from the Thames River that an actual Medieval Stone Bridge that could cross the River and not fall during the Flood Season.

In order to control the Medieval English Feudallords and keep them under his command, and stop any revolts against him or the English taking back their throne, William had to build an impregnable castle to serve as his base.

William was not well liked by Londoners, because he came from Normandy, France.

All Kings of that time required a large sitting army in order to hold their thrones.

The latest world conflicts are a good example of how little has changed over the last 1000 years.

The location William selected for his Army was the exact location the Roman Emperor Claudius had chosen as his English Base, centuries before. You can still see the wonderful Roman Engineering Skills there today and throughout England in general (and in Bath specifically).

Tower of London has been a London Museum for the past ten years after its thousand-year history.

At first, the Tower consisted of a stone and wooden construction with a palisade and ditch on the outside.

The White Tower was the name given to a massive Stone Tower that had been called The Great Tower.

Henry III lived in his Royal Palace at the Tower from 1240 to 1340.

It was then painted white. He also built a new church in his home.

All Medieval Kings claimed that they were ruled by Divine right – what say you?

A Great Hall was also built, as were other buildings. The Norman Kings who were direct descendants of William and still ruling England (and speaking French) in the 13th century were all still alive. The Tower of London is also known as the White Tower.