Bell Tower, Defensive tower in the Tower of London, England
The Bell Tower is a medieval defensive tower within the Tower of London, standing next to the Queen's House behind the Byward Tower entrance. It is built of thick stone with narrow windows and topped by a small wooden turret that holds a curfew bell.
The tower was built in the late 12th century, most likely under King Richard the Lionheart, making it the second oldest structure on the site after the White Tower. During the Tudor period, it served as a prison and held well-known figures including Sir Thomas More, Bishop John Fisher, and the young Princess Elizabeth.
The tower is viewable from outside and sits close to the main entrance of the Tower of London, so it is easy to find at the start of a visit. Each evening, just before closing time, the bell in the turret rings to signal the end of the visiting day.
The curfew bell in the wooden turret was originally rung to tell prisoners when to return to their cells, a role that has shifted over time into a daily closing signal for visitors. Sir Thomas More, who spent time confined here after refusing to acknowledge Henry VIII as head of the church, was eventually stripped of his books, food, and warm clothes before his execution in 1535.
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