Bloody Tower, Medieval defensive tower at Tower of London, England
The Bloody Tower is a rectangular stone structure within the Tower of London fortress, measuring approximately 6 by 8 meters in its ground plan. The ground floor features a wide passage that was originally protected by a heavy portcullis mechanism, which remains visible to visitors today.
The structure was built between 1238 and 1272 under King Henry III as part of the Tower of London's fortification system. It originally served as a defensive tower but was later converted into a prison for political and high-ranking captives.
The tower served as a prison for high-ranking captives and became embedded in collective memory as a place of suffering and despair. Its walls represent the darker side of English history and draw visitors interested in the fates of famous prisoners.
Visitors should know that this is part of a historic fortress complex with multiple areas and varying access points throughout the site. Understanding its location within the larger complex helps plan the visit and explore different sections systematically.
The name 'Bloody Tower' stems from a series of tragic events, particularly the death of two young princes whose remains were discovered under a staircase in 1674. These spectacular findings made it one of the most notorious sites in English history.
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