The Tower of London

William Benham

Summary

The Tower of London is the most interesting fortress in Great Britain; it has a history equalled in interest by few fortresses in the world. The Acropolis at Athens and the Capitol of Rome are far more ancient, but they are fortresses no longer. The only rival in this respect that occurs to me is the massive tower at the Western Gate of Jerusalem. It was probably built by King David, and enlarged by Herod; and it is a military castle at this day. So is our Tower, and it was built for that use.
The Port of London held a high position from the beginning of the history of Western Europe. Before the first Roman invasion of Britain there was a City of London, carrying on trade not only with the inland towns, but with the Continent. It was, as it is, a splendid position, and on the site of the present Tower the Britons had a fortress to protect it. Fifty-four years before the Christian era Julius Caesar led the first Roman invasion of this country, but he was only here three weeks, and it is very doubtful whether he ever came to London. He makes no mention of it in his Commentaries. We may therefore treat the story that he built the Tower as a myth, though Shakespeare does take it for granted (Richard II, act v, sc. 1). The Roman Conquest of our island was not achieved until nearly a century later; from which time, until the latter half of the fifth century, Britain was a Roman Province. The conquerors made London their chief city in Southern Britain, built the Roman wall, of which many portions still exist, and renewed the British fortress which held its commanding position as the safeguard of the city. On the south side of the great keep is a fragment which was laid bare some years ago, when some buildings were pulled down, and that fragment is certainly Roman. It is part of the Arx Palatina constructed during their domination. They abandoned the island at length, and after a brief interval came the invasion of our Teutonic forefathers, and London thus became the capital of the Kingdom of the East Saxons.

Available since: 09/05/2024.

Humanities & Social Sciences

Other books that might interest you

China's Foreign Policy...

Tim Nicholas Ruhlig

Throughout the post–Mao reform era, China has championed the principle of sovereign state control, which holds that states should not intervene in the affairs of other states. Yet as Tim Nicholas Rühlig argues in China's Foreign Policy Contradictions, in recent years they have not actually acted this way. Chinese foreign policy actions fail to match up with official rhetoric, and these inconsistencies—in combination with China's growing power—will have dramatic effects on the future shape of international order. 
 
 
 
To explain these contradictions, Rühlig draws from in-depth interviews with party-state officials to explain the foreign policy dynamics and processes of the normally opaque Chinese party-state. He demonstrates how different sources of the Chinese Communist Party's domestic legitimacy compete within the complex and highly fragmented Chinese party-state, resulting in contradictory foreign policies. He focuses on three issue areas: international human rights law and "responsibility to protect" (R2P); China's role in World Trade Organization (WTO) policymaking; and China's evolving relationship with Hong Kong. 
 
 
 
In this work, Rühlig shows not only why China's foreign policy is so inconsistent, but why it is likely to contribute to a more particularistic, plural, and fragmented international order in the years to come.

Show book

Doorknob Bombshells in Therapy -...

Daniela V. Gitlin

What should a therapist do when a patient reveals critical information at the end of a session? 
 
 
 
It's a near-universal experience among mental health practitioners: a patient drops a bombshell—a critical disclosure that moves the treatment forward—on their way out, with a hand on the doorknob. This "doorknob moment" creates a stressful dilemma for clinicians, especially when the patient is distraught. Should the clinician end the session on time, or run over and be late for the next patient? 
 
 
 
Here, seasoned psychiatrist Daniela V. Gitlin provides clinicians with a clear, evidence-based answer. By conceptualizing the functional differences between patient and therapist in the treatment relationship as a metaphor for the functional differences between right and left cerebral hemispheres, Gitlin's argument yields a comprehensive explanation for why doorknob moments occur, why they are necessary to prevent treatment stagnation, and why ending on time makes patients feel safer to deliver them.

Show book

Celtic Mythology - Legends...

Christiano Farrezi

Celtic mythology is a rich and vibrant tapestry that reflects the beliefs, traditions, and cultural heritage of the ancient Celtic peoples across Europe, particularly in regions like Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany. This mythology comprises a diverse array of stories, gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings that have been passed down through generations, often through oral tradition. Unlike many other mythological systems that feature a singular narrative or pantheon, Celtic mythology is characterized by its regional variations and complexity, encompassing a wide range of tales that explore themes of heroism, love, nature, and the afterlife. The diverse landscapes of the Celtic world, from lush forests and rolling hills to rugged coastlines, are often reflected in these myths, emphasizing the close relationship between the Celts and their environment. 
  
Central to Celtic mythology are its deities, each representing different aspects of life, such as fertility, warfare, wisdom, and the natural elements. Goddesses like Brigid and Danu are celebrated for their nurturing qualities, while heroic figures like Cú Chulainn and Fionn mac Cumhaill embody strength and valor. Additionally, the presence of otherworldly beings, such as the Sidhe (fairy folk), adds to the mystical nature of these narratives, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Show book

The Holocaust - The Systematic...

Sage Winters

The devastating events of World War II, particularly the Holocaust, left an indelible mark on the history of humanity. This chapter sets the stage for understanding the roots of hatred that led to one of the most horrific genocides in human history, and the role of ordinary people in shaping the course of events during the war. The Holocaust was not just an isolated act of mass murder; it was the culmination of a complex set of political, social, and cultural factors that had been brewing for decades. To grasp the magnitude of the atrocities, we must first look at the deep-seated prejudices and ideologies that laid the groundwork for such violence.
The roots of hatred can be traced back to centuries of anti-Semitism in Europe. Jews, along with other minority groups, had long been scapegoated for various societal issues. This animosity intensified during times of political and economic upheaval, particularly in post-World War I Europe, where the Treaty of Versailles created a climate of resentment and instability. The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party capitalized on this frustration, offering a vision of a united and racially pure Germany. This vision, however, was built on a foundation of hate, exclusion, and dehumanization.
Nazi ideology emphasized the superiority of the "Aryan" race and portrayed Jews, Romani people, disabled individuals, and others as inferior and dangerous. Propaganda played a critical role in spreading these ideas, as the Nazi regime sought to indoctrinate the German public through media, education, and political rallies. Hitler's vision for Germany was one in which racial purity was paramount, and the systematic exclusion of those deemed undesirable was essential to achieving this goal.

Show book

A Rare Recording of US Naval...

Grace Hopper

Grace Brewster Hopper (December 9, 1906 to January 1, 1992) was an American computer scientist, mathematician, and United States Navy rear admiral. A pioneer of computer programming, Hopper was the first to devise the theory of machine-independent programming languages and used this theory to develop the FLOW-MATIC programming language and COBOL, an early high-level programming language still in use today. She was also one of the first programmers on the Harvard Mark I computer. She is credited with writing the first computer manual, "A Manual of Operation for the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator." The following audio recording is from a 1982 presentation.

Show book

The Mythical Odyssey - Epic...

Odessa Nightshade

Greek and Roman mythology have shaped the foundations of Western storytelling, philosophy, and culture. These ancient tales, passed down through oral tradition and later recorded in literary works, offer insights into the values, fears, and aspirations of early civilizations. From grand cosmic battles to intimate tales of love and betrayal, mythology provided explanations for the unknown, offering a lens through which people understood the forces of nature, the origins of humanity, and the complexities of the divine.  
  
At the heart of these myths lies a shared heritage, where Greek legends influenced Roman adaptations, blending gods, heroes, and moral lessons into a unified tradition. The Romans, deeply admiring Greek culture, adopted much of its mythology, renaming deities and incorporating new interpretations that reflected their own beliefs and societal structure. While Zeus became Jupiter, and Aphrodite transformed into Venus, the core themes remained intact—struggles for power, quests for glory, and the enduring consequences of mortal actions.  
  
The power of myth extends far beyond antiquity. Stories of gods and heroes continue to resonate, inspiring literature, art, and modern media. From Shakespearean tragedies to contemporary films and novels, the motifs of Greek and Roman mythology persist, illustrating timeless themes of ambition, fate, and redemption. Whether through the trials of Heracles, the cunning of Odysseus, or the tragic love of Orpheus and Eurydice, these tales remain relevant, reflecting the human condition in ways that transcend time and geography.

Show book