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Einfuehrung:
Der Tower von London ist eines
der wichtigsten Bauwerke und besitzt viele wichtige Sammlungen
und Bereiche zu erforschen, die sehr lehrreich sind. Ausserdem
werden sehr unterhaltsame Events geboten. Der folgende Fuehrer
wird Ihnen helfen Ihren Tag zu planen.
The White Tower
Durch die Herrschaft von William
the Conqueror ("William der Eroberer") (1066-1087)
begann mit dem "White Tower" Londoner Geschichte des
Towers in Form eines Palastes und einer Festung. Der "White
Tower" wurde einer kompletten Renovierung unterzogen und
Ausstellungen sind dieses Jahr nur etappenweise geoeffnet.
The Royal Armouries
Die koenigliche Waffenkammer
The Royal Armouries derive from the great arsenal at the Tower
which supplied armour and weapons to the medieval English kings
and their armies. The present collection took shape in the reign
of Henry VIII (1509-1547) who restocked the Tower and set up
a workshop in Greenwich. The Royal Armouries' collection at
the Tower of London is displayed in the White Tower.
The Crown Jewels
The Tower of London has been
home to the world-famous Crown Jewels since the beginning of
the 14th century. Still used by the Queen and the Royal Family,
the Crown Jewels are an essential part of your visit to the
Tower of London. Newly displayed in 1994, it is now possible
to view the Crown Jewels at close quarters. See Crowns &
Diamonds for special exhibition details.
Crowns
& Diamonds
The Martin Tower
houses a special exhibition, Crowns & Diamonds: the making
of the Crown Jewels. The exhibition explains the evolution of
British crowns and the role that diamonds play in their decoration,
including the stories of two of the most famous diamonds in
the world, the Koh-i-Noor and Cullinan II. Included in the display
are five royal crowns that were in use between 1715 and 1939
and over 12,000 diamonds. The Medieval Palace
The Tower of London
was a residence for the kings and queens of England as well
as being a fortress. These rooms are shown as they may have
appeared during the reign of Edward I (1272-1307). Presentations
by costumed guides and an exhibition about how the buildings
were restored can be found inside.
The
Yeoman Warders
Yeoman Warders (often
called 'Beefeaters') have been at the Tower of London since
the 14th century. Today they combine their traditional ceremonial
role with that of tourist guide. Their role as interpreters
of the Tower's history to the public has grown beyond their
famous tours. They now also give talks on subjects such as prisoners
of the Tower and lead special themed tours (see Events).
The Community
of the Tower
Although the Tower
of London is today seen as a visitor attraction, it is also
a thriving community; about 150 people still live within its
walls including the Yeoman Warders (or ‘Beefeaters’) and their
families, the Tower Doctor and Chaplain, the Resident Governor
and, of course, the famous Ravens.
The
Ravens
Legend has it that
Charles II was told that if the Ravens left the Tower, the monarchy
would fall; so he ensured that a limited number would be kept
here permanently. The Ravens are cared for by one of the Yeoman
Warders, with the title of Ravenmaster. Their lodgings, next
to the Wakefield Tower, can be visited.
Tower
Green
Some of the Tower's
most famous and important prisoners were held in the buildings
around Tower Green including Sir Walter Ralegh who was imprisoned
in the Bloody Tower for 13 years. In front of the Chapel Royal
of St Peter ad Vincula is the Scaffold Site where two of Henry
VIII's wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were beheaded.
The
Chapels in the Tower of London
The Chapel Royal
of St Peter ad Vincula is the last resting place of all those
who died at the Scaffold Site, including Anne Boleyn and Catherine
Howard. The Chapel was originally outside the castle walls but
was brought inside as the Tower expanded to become a church
for those living inside. It still performs this role today and
consequently can only be visited on a Yeoman Warder guided tour.
Visitors are welcome to attend any of its services and details
are posted outside the Chapel. The Chapel of St John the Evangelist,
in the White Tower, was reserved for the sovereign and his court
but is open today to visitors.
Traitors'
Gate
St Thomas's Tower,
above Traitors' Gate, was built between 1275 and 1279 to provide
accommodation for the king. The gate provided a new entrance
from the river and in time became known as Traitors' Gate because
of the number of prisoners accused of treason who are supposed
to have passed through it. For prisoners such as Anne Boleyn
and Sir Thomas More, the trip was to be their last.
The
Wall Walk
The Tower of London
is surrounded by a series of massive defensive walls. A walk
around the eastern section provides an opportunity to see the
Martin Tower exhibition - Crowns & Diamonds: the making
of the Crown Jewels - and a model showing the Tower as it might
have appeared in c1335.
The
Fusiliers' Museum
The Army has been
involved with the Tower of London ever since its creation and
today the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who were founded in 1685
to protect the royal guns within the Tower, open their museum
to the public. On display are many fascinating exhibits which
illustrate the history of the Regiment. As this is an independent
museum, there is a small entrance charge of £0.50.
Western Entrance
& Water Lane
As you enter the Tower of London
through the Middle and Byward towers, it is possible to get
an impression of how the Tower was protected against potential
attack. Walking along Water Lane you can also see Traitors'
Gate where many famous prisoners entered the Tower of London
for the last time. Other attractions include the Cradle Tower
and Henry III's water-gate.
The Wharf and
Tower Hill
When the Tower of London was
England´s chief storehouse of armaments, much of the Wharf was
taken up with the movement and storage of munitions. The Wharf
also had a ceremonial role, which it retains today, and since
the time of Henry VIII guns have been fired from here on occasions
of national rejoicing. Tower Hill was the scene of many executions
and today the site of the scaffold is marked by a memorial.
Some 125 Tower prisoners died here, most by beheading.
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Opened daily Mon-Sat 0900-1800,
Sun 1000-1800. Admission is £11 for adults and £7.30 for
children (prices subject to change, please call for up to date
prices).
Phone 020 7709 0765
Tower Hill Tube
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