continued the Tower more a prison for those concerned in domestic strife than foreign war. We must not, however, pass over this reign without allusion to James of Scotland; who, becoming a prisoner in the Tower, was the third Scottish king confined within its walls in the course of a single century.

In the reign of Henry V. the hero of Agincourt, the Tower again became crowded with French prisoners of distinction; and many were afterwards removed to the castles of Flint, Rothlan, Conway, and other places: but nothing turther of interest occurs to us, in connexion with our subject, during that reign.

Of events connected with succeeding reigns we shall speak in another part. We will now proceed on our visit to this ancient memorial of the past.

The government of this fortress is entrusted to the following officers, viz.-the Constable, which being regarded an office of great honour and importance, has been generally conferred on men of high rank and influence; a Lieutenant, Deputy-Lieutenant, Fort-major, Chaplain, Physician, Apothecary, GentlemanPorter, Yeoman-Porter, Gentleman-Jailor, four Quarter Gunners, and forty Warders: as one of the warders will have to accompany the visitor, as a guide, a short account may be here introduced relative to the origin of that body. On the death of his father, Henry VIII. retired to the Tower for the sake of privacy, and for the formation of an administration; during which time he was attended by his Yeomen of the Guard. Upon his departure, he left fifteen of them in the Tower, and their name was changed to that of Warders: but it does not appear that they were allowed the same distinction of dress with those who attended the royal person, until the succeeding reign; for we learn, that the Duke of Somerset, (protector in the time of Edward VI) during his first imprisonment, approving the diligence of their attendance, promised them, that if set at liberty, he would procure them the privilege of wearing "the king's clothe, as the Yeomen of the Guard did." Somerset obtained his liberty and kept his promise; for he caused the Warders of the Tower to be sworn extraordinary of the Guard, and to wear the same uniform, which has been continued to the present day. This office was formerly obtained by purchase; but that regulation was altered in 1826; and vacancies are now filled up from persons of subordinate rank in the army, whose good conduct has rendered them deserving of such distinction.

The visitor enters the Fortress at that point where formerly stood "the Lyons' Gate;" so called from the court adjoining having been formerly occupied by the Royal Menagerie. It was originated by Henry III. in about 1254, for the reception of

some wild animals presented to him by foreign princes. This department was enlarged by succeeding monarchs, and considerable sums (for the period) set apart for the maintenance of its ferocious inmates. King James I. upon visiting the Tower at the commencement of his reign, entertained himself and a portion of his court with a combat between one of the lions and three dogs, one only of the latter survived the conflict: James is said to have regarded sports of this description with peculiar relish— a trait in his character which provokes contempt, when his own constitutional timidity is taken into consideration. This menagerie was at one time of considerable extent; but during the latter period of its existence, it had greatly fallen off in attraction, and its contents were, a few years back, transferred to the Zoological Gardens.

The next gate in our progress is that of the Middle Tower, which, with the gate on the farther side of the moat, (the Byward Tower) were strongly fortified, and each provided with a double port-cullis. These Towers, with all those of the Outer Ward, were increased and strengthened in the reign of Henry III. A narrow street, dividing the Outer from the Inner Ward, still retains the name of Mint-street: the houses in this street (which extends itself round the fortress) were formerly inhabited by officers employed in the ancient coinage, but now chiefly occupied by the military, a noble structure having been erected, to the north of Little Tower-hill, for the Mint department, with houses for its respective officers.

On the left is the Bell Tower, so called from its containing the alarm-bell of the garrison. This was the prison of John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, who was imprisoned and executed on account of his refusal to acknowledge the supremacy of Henry VIII. Some idea may be formed of the rigour to which state-prisoners in this period were subjected, from a letter addressed by this venerable prelate to Secretary Cromwell:

Furthermore, (he writes) I beseech you to be a good master unto me in my necessity: for I have neither shirt nor suit, nor yet other clothes that are necessary for me to wear, but that be ragged and torn too shamefully; nevertheless, I might easily suffer that, if they would keep my body warm: but my diet also, God

*The first gold (says Howell in his Londinopolis) that was coined in the Tower, was in the reign of Edward III. and the pieces were called Florences, of the value of 68. 8d. Perceval de post being master of the Mint at that time. All great sums before were used to be paid by the weight, as so many pounds or marks of silver, or so many pounds or marks of gold, but they bore no stamp: the lesser payments were in starlings, which was the only coin then current and stamp'd, which were pence so called; and they had their antiquity no further than from the reign of Henry II. Nevertheless, the Saxon coins before the Conquest, were pence of fine silver, somewhat weightier and better than the latter starlings, and the most probable reason that is given, why it was called starling money was, because in the ring or border of the penny there was a star stamped.

knows how slender it is at many times. And now in mine age, my stomach may not away but with a few kind of meats; which if I want, I decay forthwith, and fall into coughs and diseases of my body, and cannot keep myself in health. And as our Lord knoweth, I have nothing left unto me for to provide any better, but as my brother of his own purse layeth out for me to his great hindrance.-Wherefore, good master secretary, eftsoons (again) I beseech you to have some pity upon and let me have such things as are necessary for me in mine age, &c.

me,

Such is the affecting memorial of one represented by Erasmus to have been "a man of integrity, deep learning, sweetness of temper, and greatness of soul." Cromwell, to his honour be it spoken, relieved the aged sufferer's wants, as far as was consistent with his own safety under an absolute and implacable master Princess (afterwards queen) Elizabeth is said to have been imprisoned in this Tower; but the supposition is wanting in authority

Passing on, the attention is called to a water-gate on the right, and the Inner Ballium-gate on the left: the former of these objects is the Traitors'-gate, through which it was customary, for privacy, to convey state-prisoners to and from the Tower, the water of the ditch having here a communication with the Thames under a stone bridge on the Wharf. Over this water-gate is a building, terminated at each end by a round tower, on which are embrazures for pointing cannon. This building was formerly used as a military infirmary, but now converted into apartments for the soldiery: here are also water-works for supplying the gar rison with water, by means of a steam-engine and water-wheel. The building opposite to the Traitors'-gate is known by the appellation of the Bloody Tower, from a tradition that the two young princes, nephews of the Duke of Gloster (Richard III.) were suffocated in this part of the fortress, by the order of their unnatural uncle. In the reign of Henry VIII. it was called the Garden Tower, from its connection with the constable's or lieutenant's garden, which now forms part of the parade. It received its present name in the reign of Elizabeth.

Adjoining is the Record or Wakefield Tower: the lower part of this building is undoubtedly the most ancient part of the fortress, excepting the White Tower, and supposed to be a portion of the additions made by William Rufus. In this Tower are placed the ancient Records of our country: a circumstance alone investing it with an interest of too exalted character to be influenced by other considerations: we will therefore quote the words of Mr. Bayley, an erudite writer upon this subject, and pass on: "From the sources here laid open, the laws, the history, and the constitution of the kingdom, are daily receiving elucidation; and to the antiquary, the topographer, the genealogist, and to the nation in general, an inexhaustible mine of information is discovered which before had lain buried in obscurity."

Upon passing through the gateway of the Bloody Tower, we view the spot formerly occupied by the GRAND STOREHOUSE, which was destroyed by fire on Saturday, October 30, 1841.

This building, commenced in the reign of James II. and completed in that of William and Mary, was 345 feet in length and 60 feet in width. The ground floor was occupied by the TRAIN OF ARTILLERY, and the upper part appropriated to the SMALL ARMORY. The former contained a collection of cannon of various periods, nations, and calibre-many of them commemorative of England's proudest glories, and altogether formed an interesting and beautiful illustration of the progress of gunnery. Several pieces are still in good condition, others are partially injured, and many of course are lost: the remains are exhibited to the public; and we understand, that orders have been issued that those pieces which are injured or broken, be sent to Woolwich, where models will be taken, and the same metal re-cast into its original forms. The SMALL ARMORY, of which comparatively little was saved, consisted chiefly, as its name implies, of stores of small arms; but there were many curiosities deposited in that room which have been destroyed: amongst those saved, is a Brass Gun that formerly belonged to the Knights of Malta; it is finely ornamented and of exquisite workmanship: captured by the French, and taken from them by the English, in 1798. Also two Brass Guns, highly decorated; presented to the young Duke of Glocester, son of Queen Anne: one uninjured, the other much defaced. The Sword and Sash of the late Duke of York are also preserved. It fortunately happened, that at the above time the number of arms in this depository was considerably under the usual average: the following is said to be a correct statement of loss sustained. The number of percussion muskets destroyed 11,000, with 26,000 bayonets; flint-locks, 22,000; percussion-locks, 7000; pistols, 12,158; 75 double-barrelled pistols with moveable butts; 1376 swords; 2271 sword-blades; 2026 plug-bayonets; 192 spears; 95 pikes; 210 musquetoons; 709 carbines; 3 wall-pieces; 279 cuirasses; 276 helmets, and 52 drums. Amongst the relics destroyed, was a military trophy, erected under the direction of Mr. Stacey, keeper of the stores in the Armory, consisting of Chinese arms, &c. taken by the British troops at the capture of Chusan: this addition was made two days previous to the fire. Immediately in front of these ruins is the White Tower; at the south-west corner of which, is the entrance to

THE HORSE ARMORY.

This room was erected for the purpose to which it is appropriated, in 1826: its extent is 150 feet in length, and 33 in width

B

A line of equestrian figures occupies the centre, (a circumstance from which this armory derives its name) and forms a most interesting exhibition of the Armour used in different periods of history. Placed over the head of each figure, is a banner bearing the rank and date of the personage represented. On either side of the room are figures in armour, interspersed with military trophies, &c. The ceiling is also decorated in a tasteful manner with arms and accoutrements, fancifully arranged. In a recess in the centre of the south wall, is placed a magnificent equestrian suit of armour, presented to Henry VIII. by Maximilian, emperor of Germany, on occasion of Henry's union with Katherine of Arragon, which may in every point rank as the finest specimen extant: it is embellished with engravings of legends of saints, devices, mottoes, arms, &c. the legends are singularly illustrative of ancient costume and manners. The entire mass of armour was formerly gilt; and we understand that ideas are entertained of re-gilding it.* In the same recess are two small figures, representing the princes Henry and Charles, sous of Charles I. both clad in suits that really belonged to them. An inscription is also placed here commemorative of the present arrangement of this Armory by Sir S. Meyrick. Against the walls and along the cornice, are placed a variety of ancient halberds, shields, cuirasses, &c. The two vestibules, one at each extremity of the building, exhibit a collection of arms, offensive and defensive, of various periods. Against the centre of the north wall, is an equestrian figure, an Asiatic suit of great antiquity; also helmets, shields, &c. also of various periods. At each end of the room are placed other mounted figures.

We will now commence a brief account of this line of equestrian figures, in order as they stand. But although we shall aoccsionally notice events connected with the history of the monarchs, &c. represented; yet it is desirable that the reader should bear in mind, that the generality of the suits are not those which were actually worn by the party alluded to, but chiefly indicative of the armour used in that age: identified suits we shall point out.

EDWARD 1. 1272.-The suit of armour associated with this monarch's name, consists of a hauberk, with sleeves and chausses, and a hood with camail, or the piece of mail hanging over the shoulders, and supposed to have been, with the mail, of Asiatic

* An interesting account of this suit by Sir S. Meyrick, has been published in the "Archæologia.' Mr. Hewitt has also given an elaborate account of this and other matters connected with the Armories, in his entertaining and cleverly illustrated work, "The Tower:" we beg to acknowledge the pleasure and assistance we have derived from its pages, and at the same time confidently recommend it to the perusal of those who seek to inform themselves. at a very easy rate, upon the History of the Armories.