A Hidden History of The Tower of London
England’s Most Notorious Prisoners
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A Hidden History of The Tower of London
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Narrated by:
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Julian Elfer
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By:
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John Paul Davis
About this listen
Famed as the ultimate penalty for traitors, heretics, and royalty alike, being sent to the Tower is known to have been experienced by no less than 8,000 unfortunate souls. Many of those who were imprisoned in the Tower never returned to civilization and those who did, often did so without their head! It is hardly surprising that the Tower has earned itself a reputation among the most infamous buildings on the planet.
Beginning with the early tales surrounding its creation, this book investigates the private life of an English icon. Concentrating on the Tower's developing role throughout the centuries, not in terms of its physical expansion into a site of unique architectural majesty or many purposes but through the eyes of those who experienced its darker side, it pieces together the often seldom-told human story and how the fates of many of those who stayed within its walls contributed to its lasting effect on England's - and later the UK's - destiny. From ruthless traitors to unjustly killed Jesuits, vanished treasures to disappeared princes, and jaded wives to star-crossed lovers, this book provides a raw and at times unsettling insight into its unsolved mysteries and the lot of its unfortunate victims, thus explaining how this once typical castle came to be the place we will always remember as the Tower.
©2020 John Paul Davis (P)2021 TantorListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about A Hidden History of The Tower of London
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- D.
- 02-12-24
Meaty History.
They picked the perfect narrator for this book. It's rare to find the right book and narrator, perfectly done.
The History is clearly thoroughly researched and indepth.
This is a book you are going to pick up again and again to retain the knowledge within it. A perfect book in my opinion.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amanda McFadyen
- 24-03-23
Excellent history
Great book that explains each period well and gives context to each person staying at the Tower, whether it’s by choice or not!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr. Psj Rusling
- 15-06-23
Great book
Non fiction needs a good narrator these chaps get that correct spot on well done
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Graham Pattle
- 05-04-23
Enjoyable, concise, history of the Tower (and England)
Enjoyable, concise, history of the Tower (and England). Lots of great snippets that add colour to an already colourful history.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Lee
- 20-02-24
Good
Really a list and back history of those held captive in the tower over time but enjoyable. Was actually surprised and it’s a freebie!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- R. Morris
- 21-04-23
Comprehensive history with new info even for history buffs!
Thorough research with mainstream chronology covered alongside some interesting quirks and facts. It would have been good if the narrator could have mastered pronouncing British place names (Ely was pronounced initially incorrectly then correctly, while Louth - amongst others - was mangled.) Perhaps a native English-English narrator would be preferable instead of an American adopting the accent?
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lindsey
- 14-03-23
Brilliant
Really informative and lots of historical detail. I have visited the Tower of London many times and there was even info in the book that I hadn’t heard before. Definitely give it a listen.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- adrian d peaty
- 15-06-23
Enjoyable
An enjoyable romp through history showing the diverse characters that were kept within the walls of the Tower.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Swords and Spectres
- 30-10-23
An excellent history of the tower
This book does exactly what you'd expect of it: it gives a comprehensive history of the Tower of London. And it does it incredibly well and in such a way that there's something there for everyone, including history buffs with a solid working knowledge of the subject.
Everything from the different stages of building, to the menagerie housed within its walls and, obviously the people locked away awaiting trial/execution are covered in what I'd class as just the right amount of detail. We learn of the kings, queens and pretenders to the thrones whose lives impacted and were impacted by the tower, as well as the evolution of the methods used in 'questioning' the tower's prisoners.
In the appendixes, something I'm not usually one to read, we learn of the numerous ghostly sightings and stories that surround the tower, along with the fact that it is home to longest-running ritual (ceremony of the keys) in modern history.
Personally, I thought I knew a fair bit about the tower and have come away surprised at how little I actually knew. From successful escape attempts, to disappearances within the tower, there really is something for every reader (provided you like history, obviously).
It's also hands down got one of my favourite covers for a book, and expert narration on the part of Julian Elfer.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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- waterloo
- 07-02-24
Good information BUT
A good General overview of the history of the Tower of London and much of English history but yet again this is the 3rd audio book narrated by people unable to pronounce some basic English words or place names … It’s really baffling how someone who’s first language is English is unable to pronounce common words .
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