In plan the Beauchamp Tower is semicircular, and it projects eighteen
feet beyond the face of the wall. It consists of three storeys, of which
the middle one is on a level with the rampart, on which it formerly
opened. The whole building dates from the reign of Edward III. We enter
at the south-east corner and ascend by a circular staircase to the
middle chamber, which is spacious and has a large window, with a
fire-place. Here are to be found most of the inscriptions, some having
been brought from other chambers. A few are in the entrance passage and
on the stair. All are numbered and catalogued. The following--to which
the numbers are appended--will be found the most interesting:--
2. On the ground-floor, near the entrance, ROBART DVDLEY. This was the
fifth son of John, Duke of Northumberland, and next brother to Guildford
Dudley, the husband of Lady Jane Grey. When his father was brought to
the block in 1553 he and his brothers remained in prison here, Robert
being condemned to death in 1554. In the following year he was liberated
with his elder brother Ambrose, afterwards created Earl of Warwick, and
his younger brother Henry. In the first year of Queen Elizabeth he was
made Master of the House and elected a Knight of the Garter. In 1563 he
was created Earl of Leicester. He died at Cornbury, in Oxfordshire, in
1588.
8. On the left, at the entrance of the great chamber, is a carved cross,
with other religious emblems, with the name and arms of PEVEREL, and the
date 1570.
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