White Tower

En un regard

Le château en bref

The White Tower is the great Romanesque keep at the heart of the Tower of London. Raised at the end of the 11th century in the south-east corner of the Roman city wall, on the bank of the Thames, it was meant to hold the conquered city and display the might of the new Norman power. It is one of the largest and best-preserved of the Anglo-Norman rectangular keeps. Work began around 1078 for William the Conqueror and was completed under William Rufus, around 1100. The design is attributed to Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester. The building measures about 36 m by 32.5 m and stands about 27.5 m high. It is flanked by four corner turrets and an apsidal projection to the south-east. Its name comes from the whitewash applied under Henry III. Inside, a cross wall divides each floor in two. The second floor contained the great hall, the royal chamber and the Chapel of St John, one of the most remarkable Norman interiors in England. The windows and facings were largely renewed in the 18th and 19th centuries, notably by Anthony Salvin. The keep can be visited with the Tower of London and can also host private receptions.