It was originally known as the
Garden Tower, as its upper storey opens on that part of the parade
ground which was formerly the Constable's Garden. Here Sir Walter
Raleigh was allowed to walk during his long imprisonment, and could
sometimes converse over the wall with the passers-by. Observe the
grooves for working the massive portcullis, which was raised by chains
and a windlass. These still exist on the upper floor. Immediately
adjoining the gateway on the east is the
_Wakefield Tower_ (Pl. III).
Its lower storey is the oldest building next to the Keep; it was, with
the Lanthorn (rebuilt on the old foundation in 1884-5) and Cold Harbour
Towers, part of the original Norman plan. The upper storey was rebuilt
by Henry III, who made it the entrance to his palace on the east. The
Great Hall, memorable as the scene of Anne Boleyn's trial, adjoined it,
but was pulled down during the Commonwealth. In 1360 the records of the
kingdom, which had previously been kept in the White Tower, were removed
here, and this is called in ancient surveys sometimes the Record, and
sometimes the Hall Tower. The present name is said to be derived from
the imprisonment of Yorkists after the Lancastrian victory at Wakefield
in 1460. It is used now for the safe keeping and exhibition of
_The Crown Jewels_.
The visitor who has obtained a ticket passes up a short stair and finds
himself in a well-lighted circular apartment in the Wakefield Tower.
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