Other editions of book The Tower of London: A 2000 Year History

The Tower of London is one of Britain’s premier ancient monuments and tourist attractions. Until the 19th-century, however, the Tower was a collection of self-contained communities: as well as a royal residence, it housed the Menagerie, the Record Office, the Board of Ordnance, and the Royal Mint. During the 19th century, most of these bodies withdrew, older buildings were repaired, and more recent ones were demolished as part of a program to make the Tower resemble a medieval castle once again. The Crown Jewels and the Armories were both re-displayed, creating a magnet for visitors. Many previously unpublished images, taken between 1850 and 1950, have been included in order to provide, for the first time, a valuable record of the remarkable transformations which have shaped the Tower of London on view today.

The Tower of London is one of the most famous and well-visited landmarks in the world, with a fascinating history brought to life in a uniquely visual way for the first time through this stunning book. 14 specially commissioned paintings by the renowned historical reconstruction artist, Ivan Lapper show the Tower from its earliest pre-Roman days, right up to the start of this new millennium. A fascinating and engaging narrative by the official Keeper of Tower History, Geoffrey Parnell, brings the sights, sounds, events and characters of the past to life.

This book looks at the history and development of one of England's most famous and popular tourist sites, down the ages from the original White Tower of William I to the use of the castle in the modern period. Incorporating the results of recent archaeological investigations and documentary research, and using plans and reconstructions the book shows how each age has affected the appearance and use of the Tower.