Tower Hamlets in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Strengthening the fortress

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018

1. Strengthening the fortress Marker

Inscription.
The Tower was often used as a refuge by kings in trouble and Henry III was no exception. He retreated here in 1238 and, horrified by the castle's out-of-date defences, ordered a mighty fortified gateway built.

The gateway was north of today's western entrance and was completed by 1240. It allowed direct entry from the City over a timber bridge which spanned the moat. An impressive turret guarded the entrance, which was strengthened by a gate-tower. Henry III spent over £5,000 on his new fortifications — equivalent to £2.4m today. He enclosed the castle with an outer wall, defended by eight towers.

( the text is also presented in ten additional languages )

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location. 51° 30.545′ N, 0° 4.675′ W. Marker is in Tower Hamlets, England, in Greater London. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Tower Hill and Trinity Square, on the left when traveling west. Located on the Tower of London Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tower Hamlets, England EC3N 4DJ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Edward I’s formidable fortress (here, next to this marker); The Tower in 1700 (here, next to this marker); The Tower Hill Memorial

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(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Tower Hill Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Tower Hill Execution Site (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Tower Hill Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); A place of execution (within shouting distance of this marker); The fortress extends (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tower Hamlets.

Also see . . .
1. Tower of London. (Submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Tower of London on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018

2. Strengthening the fortress Marker

The marker is on the left. In the background are walls and fortifications of the Tower of London.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.