Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

The Lion Tower
Hob Uid: 1099061
Location : Greater London Authority Tower Hamlets Non Civil Parish
Grid Ref : TQ3344080540
Summary : Only the foundations of this tower remain marked out by a semi-circle of stones set in the cobbles. The tower formed part of the complex at the western entrance and originated in the early 14th century as the barbican comprising a great half moon-shaped firing platform and was surrounded by the moat. A drawbridge linked the tower to the inner side of the moat. It takes its name from the royal menagerie which was once housed nearby and was later moved into the tower itself. In 1604-5 the lions quarters were renewed with two-storey dens and a viewing platform so the king could watch them from safety. The tower was demolished in 1853 following the removal of all the animals to Regents Park.
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Source Number : 1
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Source details :
Page(s) : 40-1,43,62,85,94,113
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Built early C14
Monument End Date : 1332
Monument Start Date : 1300
Monument Type : Barbican, Gatehouse, Tower, Drawbridge
Evidence : Destroyed Monument

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Alterered 1604-5
Monument End Date : 1605
Monument Start Date : 1604
Monument Type : Tower
Evidence : Destroyed Monument

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Demolished 1853
Monument End Date : 1853
Monument Start Date : 1853
Monument Type : Tower
Evidence : Demolished Building

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Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : TQ 38 SW 1502
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Related Warden Records :

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Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1999-01-01
End Date : 1999-12-31

Historic England Research Records

The Lion Tower