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The Tower of London was established by William the Conqueror in 1066 as part of a massive castle-building effort in England. Originally a royal residence, it later became notorious as a prison and execution site, with a dark history including the murder of the Princes in the Tower. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors access from Wednesday to Sunday.

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13 views2 pages

26.12

The Tower of London was established by William the Conqueror in 1066 as part of a massive castle-building effort in England. Originally a royal residence, it later became notorious as a prison and execution site, with a dark history including the murder of the Princes in the Tower. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors access from Wednesday to Sunday.

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aala82813
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Tower of London

In the year 1066, after his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the
Conqueror was seeking to strengthen his control over
the subdued1 English territories. In the following 20 years in England
nearly 40 castles were founded by him and his vassals. It was probably the
largest castle-building operation in the whole history of medieval2 Europe.
One of the castles was to be founded inside London, already the largest
English town in those times. The so-called Tower of London was built on
remains of an ancient Roman fortification, and initially was built mainly from
timber. Only a hundred years later it was reinforced with stone. The castle
takes its name from the White Tower, which is the name of the main keep
that still stands as of today. People from other towns referred to it as The
Tower of London, and eventually it became a name widespread3 enough
to stick.
Given its location and strategic importance, the castle soon became a
residence for the richest and the most influential people across England.
Over the years the castle has expanded greatly, because each of its
owners was always seeking to add something distinct4 to its fortifications.
One of the darker stories of that age is the tale of the Princes in the Tower,
two young boys of royal blood who were declared illegitimate and then
murdered by some unknown assailant5. Remains of two boys were found
inside the castle in a wooden box in 1674.
Starting in the 16th century, the castle started to see its use as a royal
residence. It gained much notoriety6 in following years though, as it was
also used as a prison and a place of execution for people who’d fall out of
favour with their rulers.
In modern times The Tower of London became less ominous7. At some
point8 there was even a zoo inside. It started as a collection of royal pets
that quickly outgrew its accommodations9 and was soon moved to the
London Zoo located inside Regent’s Park. It’s still open nowadays and is a
popular tourist landmark.
Since 1988 The Tower of London has been listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage10 Site. In the 21st century it’s mainly a tourist attraction.
Usually you can visit the castle from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to
6 PM. The entrance fee for an adult is 25£. Visitors have free Wi-Fi access
and can also buy some signature snacks in one of the cafes or kiosks
inside.
1. subdued – покорённый;
2. medieval – средневековый;
3. widespread – широко распространённый;
4. distinct (контекст.) – особый, выделяющийся, индивидуальный;
5. assailant – нападающий на другого человека;
6. notoriety – дурная слава;
7. ominous – мрачный, внушающий беспокойство;
8. at some point (идиом.) – какое-то время;
9. accommodations (контекст.) – помещения для жилья;
10. heritage – наследие.

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