What if I told you that the Gothic Tower’s imposing structure tells a silent tale of architectural ambition and the enduring appeal of the Gothic style? The Tower of London is an immense fortress. It demands attention and controls that attention. William the Conqueror built it to bring the Londoners under control after he took the crown in 1066 during the Norman Conquest. This royal structure was originally built to bring the people of London to heel. It was used as a military stronghold. What better architecture to use for dominance than massive Anglo-Norman architecture with Romanesque qualities and Gothic styling?
The structure of the Tower of London was built with two primary styles apparent in the architecture. They are Gothic and Anglo-Norman. These architectural styles are the two primary components that create this immense fortress. Gothic architecture is easily one of the most widely known styles. The widespread knowledge of Gothic style comes from years of it being presented to us from all ages.
Gothic architecture is noticeable by its primary characteristics. High pointed arches are a characteristic. Asymmetrical lines and ribbed vaults are too. Flying buttresses and traceried windows are common too. The windows typically include stained glass, especially in chapels or cathedrals. The high pointed arches are probably the most notable characteristic. They are seen in windows, arcades and vaults. These arches are more than just for beauty. They were also used to liberate the design of the building.
In Gothic vaults the weight is carried on stone ribs formed as pointed arches. This makes the structure very light and adaptable for use in a variety of situations. This adaptability for spaces is also a nice characteristic. It differs from the regular rounded arch that can only be used in a square space. The ribbed vaults are held in place by a piece called a boss. It is usually decorative. These are the two Gothic characteristics that are focused on the most in the structure of the Tower of London. However, traceried windows and stained glass also make plenty of appearances. They add elegance to the palace through their detailing and vibrant colors.
Anglo-Norman Architecture started developing around and after the Norman Conquest when the styles merged around 1066. In early Norman architecture the style followed general Romanesque features. Massive construction was based on the rounded arch and on additive spatial compartmentalization. The Roman characteristic of immense dominance aptly describes the way the Tower of London was built. Its formidable walls were part of the old Roman wall surrounding the old city. That component was kept. Because of the rich influence of Roman architecture through Norman design the Tower of London has the classic arches in the windows and in the structural elements of the building as well as the large protective walls and flat surfaces.
Another Romanesque characteristic that became part of Norman architecture was the columns and even proportions. This characteristic is shown in the chapel in the White Tower. Columns and arches line the half-moon shaped room. The dome vaulted ceiling, columns and arches are characteristic of early Norman architecture as it pulled from Roman architecture characteristics. Later the proportions and spacing between the columns would become irregular showing influences from France and other parts of the world that Anglo architecture was starting to follow.
Stone was the material used to build this massive fortress that is the Tower of London. From an architectural standpoint stone is an ideal building material. It stores heat and cold better than the surrounding air. Its ability to transmit warmth and coolness makes it a suitable building material in extreme climates. One of stones best characteristics though is that it is very good at keeping the moisture out as well as it being fireproof and weathers well over time. This is something very important to think about in the design of the Tower of London. The Tower sits right near the river Thames. Stone was a smart choice for building with. Some of the original stones used for White Tower was actually brought from William’s homeland of Normandy.
As you stand before the Gothic Tower take a moment to appreciate the stories etched into its stones. From its Gothic arches to its sturdy Anglo-Norman foundations the Tower stands as a testament to architectural fusion and enduring strength.