Hello everyone! Today we’re going on an exciting journey to explore two very important parts of British history and culture: the magnificent River Thames and the ancient Tower of London. These two landmarks have stood side-by-side for centuries, each playing a huge role in shaping the city we know today.
The River Thames – London’s Liquid Highway
The River Thames is the second-longest river in the United Kingdom, stretching for about 346 kilometres (215 miles). It starts as a tiny stream in Gloucestershire and flows all the way through the heart of London before emptying into the North Sea. For thousands of years, this powerful river has been like a lifeline for London and the surrounding areas.
In the past, the Thames was the main way to travel and transport goods. Before roads were good, boats carried everything from food and timber to people and royal messages. It was a busy highway, full of barges, trading ships, and small passenger boats. The river also played a vital role in defending London, acting as a natural barrier against invaders.
Today, the Thames is still very important, though its uses have changed. It’s no longer just for trade; it’s a place for leisure boats, river cruises, and even famous events like the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat race. Clean-up efforts have also made it home to many types of fish and wildlife, showing how a city river can become healthy again.
The Tower of London – A Fortress with Many Tales
Standing proudly on the north bank of the River Thames is the Tower of London. It was built over 900 years ago by William the Conqueror, who became King of England in 1066. He built it to show his power and to protect London. The oldest and most famous part is the White Tower, a huge stone castle that still stands tall today.
Over the centuries, the Tower of London has been many things: a mighty fortress, a grand royal palace where kings and queens lived, a treasury for valuable items, and even a zoo! But it is perhaps most famous for being a prison, holding many important (and sometimes unlucky) people throughout history.
Its location right next to the Thames was key. The river provided a way to bring supplies into the Tower and, famously, a secret entrance called Traitors’ Gate. This gate was used to bring prisoners directly from the river into the Tower’s gloomy cells, making escape almost impossible.
Stories from Within the Walls
Many famous (and infamous) people have passed through the Tower’s gates. One of the most talked-about stories is that of Anne Boleyn, one of King Henry VIII’s wives, who was imprisoned and executed here in 1536. Another mystery surrounds the “Princes in the Tower” – two young royal brothers who disappeared from the Tower in 1483 and were never seen again.
The Tower is also home to a very special group of birds: the Ravens. Legend says that if the six resident ravens ever leave the Tower, both the Tower and the kingdom will fall. Because of this, the ravens are very well looked after by the Ravenmaster, a special keeper.
You might also see the Yeoman Warders, often called ‘Beefeaters’. These friendly guards, who wear traditional Tudor uniforms, have protected the Tower and its prisoners for centuries. Today, they share stories of the Tower’s past with visitors from all over the world.
The Dazzling Crown Jewels
One of the Tower’s most spectacular treasures is the collection of Crown Jewels. These amazing crowns, sceptres, and orbs are still used by the British Royal Family for important ceremonies, like coronations. They are decorated with thousands of precious diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other gemstones, making them incredibly valuable and beautiful to behold.
Key Moments in the Tower’s History
| Year / Period |
Event |
| c. 1078 |
Construction of the White Tower, the central keep, begins under William the Conqueror. |
| 1200s |
The Tower is expanded significantly, becoming a grand royal palace and fortress. |
| 1483 |
The mysterious disappearance of the “Princes in the Tower” – Edward V and his younger brother. |
| 1536 |
Queen Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife, is executed within the Tower. |
| 1605 |
Guy Fawkes, famous for the Gunpowder Plot, is imprisoned and tortured here. |
| 1660 |
The precious Crown Jewels are officially moved
Written by Mandy Barrow
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Learn about Christmas in England from the children who live in Britain Christmas traditions why do what we do at chrsitmas time
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All Year Round
Facts, Folklore, Superstitions, Festivals and Special Days for each month of the Year. Includes an list of anniversaries for each month. |
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National Awareness Days Calendar
Many charities and other organisations have special days and weeks like 'The Big Hush' or Children in Need. Find out what event is happening this month/year and when. |
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Multi faith Calendar
World Religions Calendar
A colourful month by month list of all the main religious festivals. |
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"I was searching the web yesterday for a website that would give me a calendar of significant days and weeks throughout the year. I was really struggling until I came across your website and was instantly blown away. I know you have already received lots of praise for your efforts but your site is the most impressive schools website I have seen. Often the amount of time and effort put into creating such a resource is not matched by its usefulness. Your calendars in particular are second to none. Thank you and well done." David, Deputy Headteacher
"EXCELLENT information of the customs and traditions of Great Britain........some of which are in danger of being lost or forgotten forever. THANKS for such an interesting site! " Karen
"As a childminder I like to celebrate festivals and awareness days with the little ones. This was the best and most comprehensive list I found on the net."
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"Thank you for all the information i have found relating to feasts and festivals as a teacher it has given me an insite to the history i needed to teach to primary children" Julie, Northampton England
"This is a fantastic website. I am a headteacher planning this terms assemblies and came accross your site through REonline. It is full of useful well presented information. I can use a lot of it in my assemblies and I will be recommending that my staff use it with children. We are an infant school but the way you present the information is so accessible that I feel we could use it. Thank you."
Marie, Shrewsbury, England.
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All the materials on these pages are free for homework and classroom use only. You may not redistribute, sell or place the content of this page on any other website or blog without written permission from the . |
© Copyright 2013
  
is the creator of the Woodlands Resources section of the Woodlands Junior website.
The two websites projectbritain.com and primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk are the new homes for the Woodlands Resources.
left Woodlands in 2003 to work in Kent schools as an ICT Consulatant.
She now teaches computers at The Granville School and St. John's Primary School in Sevenoaks Kent.
Woodlands Junior Homework Help new website
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