December 2nd 2024.
In today's age, the historic building stands as a popular destination for tourists. It's no surprise, given its rich history and captivating tales. Among the many intriguing stories that surround the Tower of London, one has recently come to light. Graffiti that was once thought to be random markings on the walls has been deciphered for the first time in centuries, revealing the magical musings of ancient sorcerers.
A dedicated group of historians took on the task of studying the hundreds of texts etched into the walls of this infamous building. The Tower of London, known for housing prisoners of the most heinous crimes, has always been a subject of fascination for researchers. Dr. Jamie Ingram, the lead researcher, is heading this groundbreaking project to uncover the secrets hidden within the walls of the Salt Tower, located on the south-eastern corner of the fortress.
As part of the curtain wall built by Henry III in the 1230s, the Salt Tower holds a significant place in history. It once held a man named Hew Draper, an innkeeper from Bristol who was accused of practicing sorcery. He was imprisoned in 1561 and left behind an astrological sphere with zodiacal signs carved into his cell walls. This discovery was made despite Draper's claims of destroying his magic books, as reported by The Guardian. Interestingly, the historic survey of the Salt Tower only mentioned 79 graffiti markings, but Dr. Ingram's research has uncovered a whopping 354 inscriptions.
The research team has utilized advanced technology such as raking light, laser scanning, and X-ray analysis to decode these ancient messages. These methods have never been used before at the Tower of London, making this project all the more exciting. As they delve deeper into their findings, the team has made a groundbreaking discovery - one of the inscriptions was written by a woman. This is a significant revelation in their research, as there were no known records of female prisoners in that tower. The note mentions a husband, honors, and rivers, hinting at a woman's presence in the Salt Tower.
Ingram explains that while there were definitely women held at the Tower of London, they were not represented in these physical first-person records. This inscription is a rare primary source that shines a light on the presence of a woman, whether she was a prisoner herself or the wife of a prisoner. It's a remarkable insight into the lives of those who were once held captive within the walls of the Salt Tower.
The Tower of London has been home to many infamous prisoners, including the two princes, Edward V and Richard Duke of York, Anne Boleyn, her daughter Princess Elizabeth, and Guy Fawkes. With each new discovery, the historic fortress continues to amaze and intrigue visitors. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Dr. Ingram and his team, we now have a better understanding of the lives and thoughts of those who once called the Salt Tower their home.
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