The Tower of London: Millennia of History

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3 жыл бұрын

The site on which the Tower of London now stands is truly historic... over the next 25-ish minutes I plan to provide a "whistle-stop tour" of around than 2000 years of that history!
I hope you enjoy this video and find it interesting!
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Also, if you want to get in touch, please comment down below or find me on social media:
Instagram: / katrina.marchant
Twitter: / kat_marchant
Email: readingthepastwithdrkat@gmail.com
Intro / Outro song: Silent Partner, "Greenery" [ • Greenery - Silent Part... ]
Images (from Wikimedia Commons, unless otherwise stated):
Google map showing the Tower of London: www.google.com/maps/place/Tow...
Collected artworks by Ivan Lapper (including the examples shown in this video), hosted at artuk.org/discover/artworks/s...
Mike Calder, image of Civitas Londinium, Agas' Map of London, c. 1570-1605. From “Maps of Old London”, London, Adam and Charles Black, 1908. Scanned & corrected Mike Calder.
Image from the Bayeux Tapestry showing William with his half-brothers. William is in the centre, Odo is on the left with empty hands, and Robert is on the right with a sword in his hand (12th century). Held by the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.
Photograph of St John's Chapel inside the White Tower at the Tower of London, England, taken by Bernard Gagnon (2007).
Photograph of the reconstitution of Edward I of England’s apartments at the Tower of London, taken by Bernard Gagnon (2007).
Photograph of one of the 13 sculptures of Royal Beasts made by Kendra Haste (2011). Patrick Davies Contemporary Art (Sculptor, Kendra Haste; Photographer, Patrick Davies)

Пікірлер: 720

@annmorris2585 3 жыл бұрын

I used to live in the USA although I am British. In the 90s I brought my young son over to show him some of the sights. It was the year when the trains were striking on Wednesdays. We decided to go ahead with our planned visit to the Tower. We walked down to Greenwich and through the tunnel and got on the Docklands Light Railway to the Tower. The Tower was virtually deserted! The Beefeaters were wonderful; one sort of adopted us and became our personal tour guide. He was funny and friendly and full of information. My son was entranced. It was a super day as the place was so quiet and our Beefeater was so lovely. An unforgettable day!

@ashlieneevel9671 3 жыл бұрын

I love going to the Tower! The Beefeaters are amazing.

@tomthx5804 3 жыл бұрын

I was there in 1976, and I still remember the Beefeater guys being funny and informative. They do their job very well.

@georger64 3 жыл бұрын

I recently read The Tudors - The Complete Story of England‘s Most Notorious Dynasty, by G. J. Meyer. It was really interesting, if you‘re into history I recommend it. Also, by the same author, A World Undone, about the Great War. A great and informative read (also depressing, as one would expect).

@cuthbertjolly4859 3 жыл бұрын

@@georger64 For A levels my history class included England under the Tudors and the Stuarts. Are you familiar with the Duke of Buckingham who was around during the reign of the Stuarts?

@obcl8569 3 жыл бұрын

So happy you have that wonderful memory with your son!! That's been my goal since my son was born - to take him on a trip across the pond, and then over the channel to the places where i grew up. Reading your story has renewed that dream :) thank you for sharing it!

@wandasimons3305 3 жыл бұрын

Dr. Kat, you stated that you had no idea how to present this material. You did an excellent job. This is one of my favorite videos!! Thank you!!!

@caitlinallen8400 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I agree. Fantastic work ☺️

@jonw8273 3 жыл бұрын

I’d like to echo this sentiment. Wonderful presentation.

@hjtres7261 3 жыл бұрын

She could talk about how the grass is mowed and I would still listen. Shes my fav.

@Mezza 3 жыл бұрын

Made an excuse that I was putting away the laundry when really I’m hiding so I can watch this in peace!

@patriciagodfrey6345 3 жыл бұрын

I am so glad I was not alone in using that excuse!

@charleywhaley 3 жыл бұрын

I do this too 😹

@londonmusicmum4560 3 жыл бұрын

Know the feeling lol

@rosinamilhollin6241 3 жыл бұрын

Same here

@pamelaoliver8442 3 жыл бұрын

I felt this

@christopherstephenjenksbsg4944 3 жыл бұрын

A bit of levity: When you mentioned that the Tower was "the home of royal beasts", I couldn't help but think that it has also been the home of beastly royals.

@ReadingthePast 3 жыл бұрын

Truth! Also, wish I'd thought of this pun!

@plugs313 3 жыл бұрын

LoL! I see what you did there... Brilliant!

@SpaceExplorer 3 жыл бұрын

quite, quite! well done!

@ranthony5825 3 жыл бұрын

clever

@laurenjeangreenbean6301 2 жыл бұрын

Lolol nice 👌 👍

@ReadingthePast 3 жыл бұрын

Hello friends, I hope you have all had a lovely weekend! Thank you all for the lovely comments on this video and the brilliant suggestions/requests for the bits you would like more detail on ... I've made a list 🌟

@beanalupines5101 3 жыл бұрын

Superb video! I got me thinking about 'a day in a yeomen warder's life"...living in a detached world, and how and why they have come about. Thank you as always.

@lemorab1 3 жыл бұрын

This is the most informative video I have ever seen about the Tower of London. Thank you so much for the wonderful illustrations. I'm a visual learner and they really help. I would like to know more about an escapee who didn't quite make it: Gryffud ap Llewellyn, son of Llewellyn ap Iorweth, (Llewellyn The Great) in the 1200's. He went out the window using knotted bedsheets, etc. But, having grown fat in prison, the "ropes" couldn't take his weight, they broke, and he fell to his death. I've read somewhere that you can still see the outline of bricked-in window that he went out of. Is this true? Do you know where it is? Thank you again for a wonderful presentation.

@loicbazin1053 3 жыл бұрын

I would love to know more about it's prehistoric past and it's time as a wood (motte and bailey?) castle, please.

@reppepper 3 жыл бұрын

My father, Alan, did his NS at the Tower. He was Sgt. Pepper. Seriously.

@lynnedelacy2841 3 жыл бұрын

Richard Pepper I used to work with a woman who used to be a police officer -and her surname was Officer - so She was Officer Officer, and her husband worked also for the police and he was Sgt Officer, who later was part of Royal protection team for Prince Charles I also worked with some one called William Shakespeare - why fight it eh? And finally a colleague with the surname Willy - his first name Richard and went by the name Dick. I should say that he had a rather loud voice, and used to answer the phone by virtually shouting just his surname which reverberated round the office......

@shelleygibbons1065 3 жыл бұрын

I work with a doctor Her name is Dr doctor

@EmoBearRights 3 жыл бұрын

Did he know or was known of by the Beatles?

@EmoBearRights 3 жыл бұрын

A friend of mine knows a Dr Doctor too - her name is Hilary.

@ReadingthePast 3 жыл бұрын

This is excellent!

@kimberlyperrotis8962 3 жыл бұрын

This is your best content yet! The idea of using Mr. Lapper’s wonderful reconstructions is brilliant, it really brings your talk to life. His drawings are great, they really show aspects of the site that aren’t very apparent in maps, like the topography and the ancient pathways and roads. I especially enjoyed the pre-Norman history, almost every other discussion about the Tower begins “In 1066...”. England has such a rich, interesting medieval and modern history that earlier ages are often neglected a bit in popular history discussions. I know there are fewer archaeological remains going back in time, but the pre-Norman history of England, the Iron Age, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon periods, are fascinating, too.

@huiawalker203 3 жыл бұрын

L¹1

@mafusihellenkhororo8110 3 жыл бұрын

Sey rtttttt

@clairepancerz9744 3 жыл бұрын

This was a wonderful overview! I definitely appreciated you pointing out the psychological importance of the Tower, as well as its military and housing importance. But, Dr. Kat - RAVENS! I think we need to hear some of the superstition and legends that surround the Tower as well. Again, thanks - it was so helpful to watch the Tower morph from a settlement into the structure we visit today.

@julieblackstock8650 3 жыл бұрын

I never even considered it was being used before William the Conqueror. I would love to know more about the time before the romans

@Patrick3183 3 жыл бұрын

It wasn’t built until William’s time

@Lucius1958 3 жыл бұрын

I have read that in pre-Roman times, Tower Hill was the site of a shrine to Bran, the Celtic god of death and resurrection; and that an oracular skull was kept there. This might explain its association with ravens (Bran's sacred bird), and with beheadings as well. It would be fascinating to know whether any archeological excavations would support this hypothesis.

@Starburst858 3 жыл бұрын

For those who are interested in learning more in depth about the Tower of London, I highly recommend checking out Secrets of Great British Castles with Dan Jones. Season 1 Episode 2 is the Tower episode, but the entire two Seasons are brilliant and well worth the watch!!!!

@kmd2210 3 жыл бұрын

Additionally, I recommend a 10 episode series named "The Tower" on Amazon Prime. My whole family really enjoyed it!

@donaldwesterhazy9333 3 жыл бұрын

@@kmd2210 Can't find that series, title, on Netflix in the US.

@lorrybrown8060 3 жыл бұрын

If you can’t find “The Tower” on Netflix try Amazon Prime Video.

@tonistark4169 3 жыл бұрын

kmd2210 great to know!! I’ve seen that on Netflix but never gave it a second thought but I’m gonna check it out! Thank you! ❤️

@kmd2210 3 жыл бұрын

@@donaldwesterhazy9333 it's on Amazon Prime. My apologies for my error.

@tonistark4169 3 жыл бұрын

Oh don’t worry! I’d listen to “How Paint Dries” by you for 30 minutes and have a blast! You do such a great job with your subject matter, like I’ve said before, I’ve learned more from you in 30 minutes than ANY documentary I’ve seen seen or watched on TV. THANK YOU for that! 😘❤️😘

@amazinggrace5692 3 жыл бұрын

Ditto on the paint drying documentary.

@tonistark4169 3 жыл бұрын

Cathi Shaner I know right? I could just listen to Dr Kat for hours! And she COULD make “Watching Paint Dry” interesting! 👍🏼❤️

@badbiker666 3 жыл бұрын

When I saw the title of the video, I thought, "How?" But you did a great job, Dr. Kat, and I have no suggestions for improvements except maybe to make a separate video on every "era" of the Tower. I am sure it wouldn't hard to fill 20-25 minutes with the more intimate details of each major time period that you (and the artist) covered in this installment. Well done!

@sharonsmith583 3 жыл бұрын

Fascinating subject. Glad I got to see the Tower of London a couple of years ago when I visited England 🇬🇧 for the first time.

@janegardener1662 3 жыл бұрын

You have interesting information, a pleasant voice and a straightforward presentation style which makes your channel stand out from others.

@lynnedelacy2841 3 жыл бұрын

I used to work in an office which was directly across the river from the Tower - I could look up from my desk and there is was - lovely

@AmericanOnTheLoose 3 жыл бұрын

Oh wow I am jealous! That has to be amazing!

@suzimarima 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you did this video! I'm also exceedingly happy that the information about white washing and the image of the Water Gate apartment with the white wash paintings and flowers is historically accurate. It's so interesting that we've believed for so many years that the stone ruins we see today were the same stones that people were looking at in history, when in reality the walls were painted and ornate. Much like how the renaissance artists thought Greek and Roman marble was stark white and sought to emulate only for us to find out through the use of technology that classic Greek and Roman statues and buildings were also painted extravagantly with vibrant color!

@RABuffat 3 жыл бұрын

Holy cow! That was so comprehensive. I had no idea its history went back so far. Excellent job! Thanks Dr. Kat!

@kateh2007 3 жыл бұрын

Thankyou for this Dr. Kat. I'm lucky enough to have lived and worked in Central London for many years and the Tower of London has always been my very favourite landmark. If you add up the actual amount of time that I've spent there it probably comes to months in total lol!!! Thankyou also for reminding us of the work of Ivan Lapper, I also fell down the rabbit hole of the brilliant artuk website whilst looking up his work. What a veritable treasure trove that is!!! For me the Tower encapsulates the whole history of England's capital city, both good and bad, and for that reason imho it's pretty unique and special. The fact that it has been in constant use for millennia never fails to intrigue me. Hope that you are keeping safe and well ❤.

@ariuuuul 3 жыл бұрын

I adore your channel and videos. They're always so informative and captivating. And I love your accent!!

@patriciawenzel3871 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting, I love watching your channel. I was there many years ago and fascinated by the history. I found the early years of the site most interesting. The pictorial images really help to understand how this fortress transformed over the millennia. 🇨🇦 Many Thanks from Canada.

@morriganwitch 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you making history come alive xxx

@flannerypedley840 3 жыл бұрын

Kat, I love the amount of work you put in for us. Thank you!

@erinnorquist5506 3 жыл бұрын

This was SO interesting! Thank you so much. The portraits were lovely.

@beverlyfletcher4458 3 жыл бұрын

Palace, Prison. Mint, Zoo - an amazing place served very well by those beautiful illustrations. Am still trying to see the Crown Jewels! Thank you for a fabulous talk, much appreciated.

@jennaolbermann7663 3 жыл бұрын

Fascinating presentation! Thank you so much for putting this together.

@LosizakII 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! So much detail = so much work. It's appreciated.

@kickthespike 3 жыл бұрын

So enjoyable as always! Looking forward to the next

@janegardener1662 3 жыл бұрын

Would love to hear more about Sir Isaac Newton's time at the Royal Mint, located at the Tower of London.

@deanedge5988 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I really enjoyed that - you made the familiar new and interesting and have an eye for the telling detail. Also the illustrations were excellent. Going to browse your archive now.

@Anita-rq9ev 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for this interesting video. You always put a lot of effort into each topic😊

@jerrymcniff791 3 жыл бұрын

As per usual, great job Dr. Kat! Thanks!

@ladyalustriel1431 3 жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I've always been fascinated by British royal history and what's gone on in the Tower. Can't wait for more!

@reezdog 3 жыл бұрын

This was great. Thank you. The images really helped!

@shitzuation 3 жыл бұрын

So fascinating!! Thanks for this video ❤️❤️

@kadianimageworks 3 жыл бұрын

FANTASTIC! This is wonderful! I learn things visually and this is simply brilliant! Thank you!

@GlassSpider 3 жыл бұрын

I loved you approach to this! The illustration and your general coverage of the many aspects of the Tower were immersive and informative! Thank you for this video!

@bennett8535 3 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed this very much. Thanks for yet again another interesting video.

@HeatherTaro 3 жыл бұрын

I have been binge watching for a week now! You always find so much new info that ive never seen before.

@kathiwyldeck 3 жыл бұрын

Great illustrations, accompanied by years. Brilliant history. Many thanks, Dr. Kat.

@stephenwoodward8083 3 жыл бұрын

Love you Dr. Kat! Great videos

@kirstena4001 3 жыл бұрын

I loved the way you presented this! I will be watching a second time to take more time to look at the pictures :).

@violetbell6550 3 жыл бұрын

I am loving Fridays...a new Dr Kat video!!!!! Also adore the Monarchs Anonymous ones too. This is a great topic done in your wonderful way thank you.

@mesamies123 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent as always. Thank you! 🙂❤

@erikschafer5176 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this video, thanks for making it. And I hope you have a good day too!!

@kathconstance4684 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoy this type of content thanks Kat.

@therrastrial 3 жыл бұрын

I love listening to you and learning whenever I'm working!

@karenbaird8795 3 жыл бұрын

Always so very interesting, thank you 😎

@MacBurlTheSecond 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! It was clearly and beautifully done.

@lauragutierrez893 3 жыл бұрын

Another fascinating and beautifully presented video. Thank you Dr Kat. Could listen to you for hours. Stay well and healthy 💕

@coffeecloud 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic. Thank you Dr Kat.

@collarclatch6414 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for an excellent presentation. I always enjoy your channel.

@theclassicso8094 3 жыл бұрын

An absolutely fascinating description of the Tower of London. I loved this, and I learned so much as I always do when you do a presentation. Thank you so very much.

@germurphy9030 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Dr Kat,👋 that was a brilliant video, well done to you. I too would love to hear more about Tower Hill.

@zenlocke 3 жыл бұрын

This is seriously so cool, I'm new to your content so I'll have to see what else you have but the history and development of historical sites with such a clear visual aid and reference to specific people and their decisions is enthralling

@judyder3607 3 жыл бұрын

As always, such an informative video! I’ve been to The Tower of London and I remembered reading about some of its history. This video offered so much more information! Thank you!

@melissaa.bernstein910 3 жыл бұрын

It must be Friday, there's a new Dr. Kat video! This was a great way to approach the history of the Tower of London, and the images are very helpful. I'd love to hear more about the menagerie and the jewel house, please!

@KatTheScribe 3 жыл бұрын

This was a very informative and interesting video, thanks Dr. Kat! Great idea to use the artwork to illustrate the changes over the centuries, it really helps to solidify the impressions in my mind. I'd like to see a video all about the Tower's first prisoner! Thanks again, have a great day!

@robinbradach928 3 жыл бұрын

Great job Dr. Kat! The artwork along with your comprehensive commentary made the video very interesting and understandable for people of all ages. Thank you!

@philthorpe7671 3 жыл бұрын

Best documentary ive seen on towers history you have me hooked ! great stuff dr kat keep em comin.

@lisakilmer2667 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Very helpful to see all the drawings of the changes through the years.

@lindasmallwood7242 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice video and very informative. This was an excellent resource. Thanks so much! We want more!

@maicrowsoft8867 3 жыл бұрын

Kudos to you for your excellent narration and whoever made that illustration. It was very fascinating and informative.

@stevejames5900 3 жыл бұрын

Well done Dr Kat .... very informative and entertaining!

@Denebreus 3 жыл бұрын

Well done, ma'am. It was a joy to watch. Looking forward to the next! Cheers!

@barbarabell8674 3 жыл бұрын

Well done! I loved this! As an architectural artist, I was fascinated by the artwork! Thanks Dr. Kat 🥰

@kimclarke5018 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fascinating Dr.Kat. Thank you again.

@kellyhansen6076 3 жыл бұрын

You do awesome putting all that into a short video! For most people it was the perfect amount of information and overview. Thank you!

@michaelfaulkner6607 3 жыл бұрын

You are wonderful. I so enjoy your scholarly and informative videos. Thank you and keep up the good work.

@avalonseer 3 жыл бұрын

I loved this video, thank you! I have only been able to visit the Tower once but I so badly want to go again when I am able.

@jamesmunro8783 Жыл бұрын

That was excellent, thank you I love history, your presentation was on spot. Thanks again.

@sabrinab9991 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I can’t wait for the time I can come to London and visit all the awesome, historical sites

@judycater2832 10 ай бұрын

Thank you Dr. Kat. A very informative and interesting video.❤❤❤

@DonniSkattered 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Dr. Kat for an amazing timescape of the Tower! I am not on social media but I wanted to say that I loved the artist impressions of the Tower through time. Especially meaningful to me was the last one, 1999. This is how the Tower looked the first time I saw it - my first trip to London, just after my mother passed away. I went to see a place of pain and hope that allows Time to wash through it, to alter it, but never conquer it. That visit gave me strength I didn't know I had, and every time I come to London, I stop by and say hello to the old, the ancient, and the new stones that keep their secrets, still standing. Thank you!

@sheilalambie5288 3 жыл бұрын

Just ordered a book from amazon on the remains that were found in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula enjoy your videos kat👍👍

@rotapp7268 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful video. Pretty amazing to gaze at how places change throughout history and its events. Thank you!

@sjTHEfirst 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent! Thank you for a great documentary.

@lesleemarkham9712 2 жыл бұрын

I so enjoy the material you present and the way you present the facts and your opinions. It is refreshing, direct, and additive to learn more

@jayrennie7031 3 жыл бұрын

possibly, my favourite of your videos, so far. I've been there at least 6 times and still learned so much from your video

@MasterJediDude 3 жыл бұрын

Top marks in all of this! Well researched and presented! 😃👍

@bobmalibaliyahmarley1551 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video, I've always been facinated by the Tower of London and castles in general.

@TTPF2007 3 жыл бұрын

Well done on a fantastic video. The history of the Tower, London and the UK is fascinating. Thank you and keep up the good work!

@alicewatt416 2 жыл бұрын

Wow I so enjoyed this,what a fascinating place this. Wonderful commentary👍

@SpotAllen 3 жыл бұрын

Great explanation. Thank you for taking the time.

@elizabethlarson9655 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, Dr. Kat! The Tower is a fascinating place.

@MDsteeler1 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I just stumbled across your videos today. I really like them. Especially the ones on the Tudors. Very informative. I liked seeing the artist’s impressions of The Tower down through the centuries. Sure did change a lot since the 1st century.

@chiragbhatt5672 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fantastic presentation!!!! wow so informative. Great video

@jackhunter4428 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fantastic. I really loved the Tower of London history. Thank you. I am now a subscriber. Ciao!

@artharrison9586 3 жыл бұрын

Great show! Well presented but, most importantly, a great historical summary.

@ralphs5306 3 жыл бұрын

Very well done there Dr Kat!!. I was mesmerized in your narration. It was a great presentation!!

@realitycheck4842 3 жыл бұрын

Another fabulous video by my favorite historian. Please keep up the good work.

@ginalou5774 3 жыл бұрын

That was fantastic. Thank you Dr Kat. I took my teenage daughters there on a post school visit five years ago and it was amazing. We were there for hours and it seemed like moments.

@DevonExplorer 3 жыл бұрын

My history speciality is architectural and landscape history, so this hit all the right buttons and more! Fab video and loved the span of time it covered. Very well done, Dr Kat. :)

@randomvintagefilm273 3 жыл бұрын

Love this, great job!

@englishguy215 3 жыл бұрын

This was the first of your videos I have seen, it certainly will not be last. a pleasure to listen to someone giving just straightforward information without lots of "added entertainment". Excellent.

@coolhand67 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful narration and wonderfully informative. Thank you 🙏🏼

@pattilley4123 3 жыл бұрын

You are wonderful, this was so interesting seeing the origins of this, I've now subscribed, thank you.

@juliedurden9479 2 жыл бұрын

Wow this is absolutely fascinating and one of my favorite videos of yours, Dr. Kat! I’m an American but I love everything I can learn about your country, as it was once the home of my ancestors. This is the most detailed information on the Tower and I really like the timeline with accompanying artwork! As always, thank you for taking us back in history and making it so interesting and informative!

@MyTinyBalcony 3 жыл бұрын

Nicely done. Touched on the huge effect this amazing landmark has had over a millennia, but also on the massive changes it has undergone from palace to prison, zoo, and historical place. A lovely summary of all that it has been, and what it could also become.

@jamessuchard-rees3039 3 жыл бұрын

That was fantastic, thank you. You are a great presenter and narrator. Really watchable, you have a great talent, thank you for sharing your knowledge.