December 28th, 2009
Tower of London
London, England is rich in history, culture and world political significance among other things. The city is full of numerous landmarks and historic icons that attract millions of tourists every year. Many people have a difficult time visiting everything on their agenda in a single visit and London is known for attracting repeat tourists. Interestingly, one of the most consistent and popular attractions that draws tourists from their London hotel room also happens to be one of the more ominous and infamous historic institutions. This of course is the Tower of London. In addition to its international reputation and infamous status, the tower has had numerous famous occupants throughout its centuries of existence.
The Tower was a definitely a prison and the conditions within its walls were representative of this. However, it is also well known that different prisoners were treated in various manners and the accommodations provided to specific prisoners also varied according to their social role and status. Numerous royal personalities were housed in the Tower at one time or another in their life and they were generally treated well and had their own area. The Scottish King John Balliol is an example of this. He was captured and imprisoned in 1296 though he was treated well and was even allowed to leave the Tower to go on hunting expeditions. This is the opposite end of the treatment spectrum and societies most dangerous and low class criminals represent the other side. Sir Thomas Moore is another example of one of the Tower’s famous prisoners who was not part of the monarchy. He was however a friend and consultant for Henry VIII
and was imprisoned in 1534 for refusing to accept the king as the head of the Catholic Church. Early in his stay he was treated well and spent his hours writing, however his ultimate fate of being beheaded contradicts the positive treatment.
No related posts.