Author: Tracy Borman, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces in London.
The tale of the Tower of London mirrors the history of England. Across its nearly millennium-long existence, this renowned landmark has not only observed but actively participated in some of the most significant events in the nation’s past. From the Norman Conquest to the Great Fire of London, this formidable fortress has stood as a potent, often fearsome, symbol of royal authority.
As the Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, I have had unprecedented access to this incredibly historic location, retracing the steps of renowned historical figures like Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, Guy Fawkes, and Thomas Cromwell. These figures have been the focus of my research and writing throughout my career, and exploring the places where they were entertained, questioned, imprisoned, and sometimes executed has brought their narratives to life in a manner that books and archives alone could never achieve.
Today, through our partnership with Google Arts & Culture, individuals worldwide can virtually explore this iconic site, including areas typically off-limits to visitors, like the King’s House, where the Gunpowder Plotters were interrogated in 1605. By delving into its history via digital storytelling, virtual tours, and exquisite high-resolution artwork, everyone can immerse themselves in the Tower of London’s captivating past at goo.gle/toweroflondon.
