THE WHITE TOWERThe White Tower was not started for several months after the victory, by William Duke of Normandy, or William the Conqueror as he was to become known, at the Battle of Hastings. His first task was to rapidly build temporary timber fortresses in London as a safeguard against its huge and fierce population. He was ruthless in his determination to bring the native population under control and wasted no time about it. The exact date is uncertain, but sometime in the 1070's he set about the construction of a Massive stone structure at the centre of one of these fortresses, making his intentions perfectly clear and beyond any doubt. This Mighty Tower would not only dominate the skyline for miles around but would also dominate the population, holding them in awe, fear and dread. Nothing remotely like this had ever been seen in England before. It's positioning was ideal, situated inside the southeast corner of the city walls and adjacent to the River Thames, it provided perfect protection for the Norman invaders, both from outside attackers arriving by land or river, as well as much needed protection from internal attacks by the citizens of London. 
Gundulf, the new Bishop of Rochester, was employed as Chief Architect and Master Builder by William Duke of Normandy. Caen stone was specially imported from Normandy to be used on the corners of the building and door and window jambs. The rest of the structure was constructed in Kentish ragstone. Norman masons were employed to work the stone. Comments in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles however, pointed to the use of English labourers.The Tower is an immense structure, measuring 36 x 32.5 m (118 x 106ft) in plan and 27.5m (90ft) high from the lowest ground level point. The thickness of the walls vary from 4.5m (15ft) thick at the base to 3.3m(11ft) at the upper storey levels. There are four turrets rising above the battlements, three of them being square, the other is formed circular, accomodating a spiral staircase and was briefly used as a royal observatory during the reign of King Charles II. The white Tower was finished by 1100. It never was a favourite royal residence, although many kings and queens have spent time there, Palaces such as Westminster and Whitehall were much more opulent for them. The Tower's primary role as a fortress and stronghold remained unchanged right up until the latter end of the nineteenth century. FOR TOWER OF LONDON AND OTHER SIGHTSEEING TOURS OF LONDON CLICK HERE How to Link to This PageIt will appear on your page as: FOR MORE INFO.ON THE WHITE TOWER FOLLOW THIS LINKReturn from The White Tower To A-London-Tourist-Guide Home Page. Return to Tower of London Norman Invasion and Battle of Hastings
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