The Middle Tower, With Causeway To Byward Tower (Qv) And Remains Of Causeway To Lion Tower To West

THE TOWER OF LONDON TQ 3380 21/883 The Middle Tower, with Causeway to Byward Tower (qv) and Remains of Causeway to Lion Tower to west

GV I

Gatehouse. 1275-81; later alterations, principally 1717-19 by Robert Churchill when upper floors rebuilt. Squared and coursed ragstone; refaced in Portland stone in 1717-19. Plan of entrance passage flanked by 2-storey cylindrical towers which have 3-storey rectangular turrets to rear. Arms of George I, by Thomas Green, above pointed chamfered arch of 2 orders, with portcullis slot and rearward arch with meurtrieres; early C18 double doors. Restored loops; windows set in early C18 semicircular arched architraves with keyblocks and impost blocks. Similar fenestration to sides and rear, which has crenellated towers flanking central bay which has early C18 stonework (replacing original timber frame) above pointed chamfered arch; early C18 sentry box attached to south-east corner. Interior: lined with C13 brick; studded doors set in mid C19 pointed- arched architraves on either side of passage, leading on north side to vice and passage with steps to octagonal-shaped room with chamfered ribs to vault (restored in C19) and 6 embrasures and on south side to similar room with restored late C13 fireplace. Subsidiary features: causeway running from east entry to Byward Tower (qv) refaced in C18. Remains of 1275-81 causeway to west, with pointed chamfered archway to north attached to foundations of Lion Tower and outwork of 1275-81, to north.

Listing NGR: TQ3344880528