THERE'S MORE TO HISTORICAL TOWER HILL THAN MEETS THE EYE

I often went to Tower Hill as a child, but they were for special visits to the Bridge. I've also traipsed around Tower Hill for many years as a student. Now, I look for any excuse to go to Tower Hill. I always discover something new each time.

Why Tower Hill Is Special

Tower Hill played a special role in my student days. I remember sitting and looking out of the window at my university campus cafe in Tower many moons ago. I loved seeing familiar icons like the Tower of London and part of Tower Bridge.

History surrounded me, but it didn't mean anything as a student. Like many young people, I didn't appreciate the magnitude of the location until I started Tabby London.

I can't do that anymore because the campus building was sold to developers a few years back, and they've turned it into a high-end Apart-Hotel. These lucky people now get to enjoy the best views.

I'm not the only one enamoured by Tower Hill; hundreds of thousands of people (if not a couple of million) are, too. Each year, tourists flock to Tower Hill, a popular destination. Why? They come not just for the beautiful views but for the centuries' worth of history behind the best views.

History

London Wall

A lovely section of the London Wall at Tower Hill, near the Tower of London. Specifically, it is situated northwest of the Tower, making it easily accessible to visitors exploring the area.

The Romans built the London Wall in the late 2nd century AD to fortify the city, then known as Londinium.

The small section gives visitors a glimpse into the city's Roman past. This section includes a mix of original Roman masonry and later medieval additions and repairs.

Tower Of London

The Tower of London, also known as His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the northern edge of Tower Hill. It was initially built by William the Conqueror in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England.

Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including as a royal palace, a prison (notably housing famous prisoners such as Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh), and a treasury. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction that houses the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

Tower Bridge

THAT Bridge 💝 - Tower Bridge is a bascule and suspension bridge that spans the River Thames and connects Tower Hill with the district of Bermondsey on the south bank.

It was completed in 1894 and is known for its distinctive twin towers and drawbridge mechanism, which allows large ships to pass through.

Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London and is often mistaken for London Bridge.

Executions

Tower Hill has played a significant role in British history.

It was a site of public executions, including those of many prominent figures such as Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Lady Jane Grey. The area also served as a royal burial ground, with several notable individuals interred.

Trinity Square Gardens

Today, Tower Hill is a peaceful area, and home to Trinity Square Gardens. This public park provides a green space for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy views of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. It also has the Tower Hill Memorial.

The Tower Hill Memorial, a war memorial commemorating British and Commonwealth merchant sailors who died during World War I and World War II, is also located in the area.

Facts

❇️Tower Hill is in the Borough of Tower Hamlets. Interestingly, Tower Hamlets may be the home of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, but it also has high levels of poverty and social issues,

❇️Did you know that anyone who lives in the Borough gets to go the Tower Bridge for £1? I believe this is a brilliant initiative to encourage the locals to visit and enjoy the mos iconic building in the world.

❇️Public Spaces and Gardens: The area around Tower Hill features public spaces, gardens, and pedestrian pathways that provide a pleasant environment for relaxation and leisurely walks. These spaces offer a respite from the bustling city.

❇️Financial District: Besides its historical and tourist attractions, the area around Tower Hill is also part of London's financial district, making it an important business hub.

Over the years, archaeological excavations in and around Tower Hill have uncovered various artefacts and remains from different periods of London's history, shedding light on its past.

❇️Memorial to the Great Fire of London: Tower Hill features a column topped by a golden flaming urn, a memorial to the Great Fire of London in 1666. It marks the spot where the fire is believed to have been extinguished.

❇️The Scaffold Site: The exact location of the scaffold where these executions took place is marked with a circular stone pattern in front of the Tower of London. It's known as the "Execution Site."

Thank you for your attention.

Tabby