Richard, Duke of Gloucester, had no further obstacle in assuming the purple, and was crowned King of England with all pomp and ceremony, and known to unenviable fame as Richard III.
This account has come down to us with all the authority of historical verity, and subsequent evidences of its accuracy have been discovered. The age was characterized by inhumanity of the most barbarous kind, and this crime was in keeping with it.
The English people in this nineteenth century rejoice in a sovereign who is noble in the highest sense; beloved by her subjects, achieving for herself the universal plaudit of a “most humane and gracious lady.”
THE TOWER OF LONDON.
This ancient edifice is situated on the north bank of the Thames, at the extremity of the city of London.
The antiquity of the building has been a subject of much inquiry, but the present fortress is believed to have been built by William the Conqueror, and garrisoned with Normans to secure the allegiance of his subjects; although it appears that the Romans had a fort on this spot, if a dim tradition can be credited. The building is governed by the “Constable of the Tower,” who, at coronations and other State ceremonies, has the custody of the regalia.
The principal entrance is on the west, and consists of two gates, at which are stationed guards. The keys are kept, during the day, at the warder’s hall, but deposited every night at the Governor’s house. Cannon are placed at intervals around the great wall, and command every avenue leading to Tower Hill.
On the south side is an arch, called “Traitors’ Gate,” through which State prisoners were formerly brought from the river. Near the Traitors’ Gate is the “Bloody Tower,” in which it is supposed the two young Princes, Edward V and his brother, were smothered by order of Richard III.
In the south-west angle of the inclosure were the royal apartments, for the Tower was a palace for nearly five hundred years, and only ceased to be so on the accession of Elizabeth.