Tower of London Tour: Entering the Complex, Middle Tower

Entering the Tower

Beheading of John Duke of Northumberland, 1553, Tower Hill

Most visitors to the Tower will pass over Tower Hill. On the brow, within the railings of Trinity Square, once stood a permanent scaffold. The Tower is entered at the foot of Tower Hill near where used to stand the Bulwark Gate. It was here that prisoners were handed over to the Sheriff of London.

The Official Welcoming Sign at the Tower of London

The Lion Tower

Here the royal menagerie was once housed. Henry I kept lions in the tower, hence its name. Henry II was sent 3 leopards by Frederick III, and a white bear from the King of Norway, and later an elephant from Louis of France. James I is said to have entertained his guests to a bear baiting display in the Bear Pit. In 1834 the menagerie was sent to Regents Park where it formed the nucleus of the present London Zoo. The tower is no longer there, now serving as a restaurant for tourists.

The Middle Tower
A short causeway leads to the Middle Tower built in the late 13th century. The archway, together with those of the Byward Tower and the Bloody Tower, were defended by portcullises, two of which remain.

Top: Beheading of John, Duke of North-
umberland, 1553, Tower Hill [public domain] Middle: The official Tower entrance sign [Greeley/Gilmore] At right: Middle Tower viewed from causeway atop moat.[R.Pierce]
The Middle Tower