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This site can be used to address the following themes of World History as recommended by the New York State Regents.
1. The Norman Conquest - Led by Duke William of Normandy, the Normans sailed across the English Channel and conquered England. Leading England into another chapter of its history. Duke William would be crowned King of England and become known as William the Conqueror. The arrival and conquest of William and the Normans radically altered the course of English history.
2. William the Conqueror - Originally known as Duke William of Normandy he led the Norman Conquest. Known in history as a tough descendant of Vikings he claimed the English throne on Christmas Day 1066 was he was crowned King of England. William laid the foundation for the future economic and political success of England. As part of his conquest he implemented a massive castle building campaign as a means to control, subdue and conquer England. The White Tower was the most substantial example of this campaign providing an impressive and imposing structure in the capital. William the Conqueror succeeded in uniting England and he established a series of laws, known as Laws of William the Conqueror. These laws fused Anglo-Saxon law with continental practices. He also instituted a brand of feudalism that strengthened the monarchy and implemented a national tax system based upon the findings of a national census. This 1085 census referred to as the Domesday Book (pronounced doomsday) detailed land ownership and assessed property values serving as a tax base.
3. The High Middle Ages - The construction of the Tower exemplifies the political climate during the High Middle Ages and need for complex fortifications. The Tower of London is representative of the era in which it was built.
4. Monarchy - Through much of England's, and Europe's, history royalty has led an important role as leader of the people. The royalty created a complex political arena and Britain's history is full of strong monarchs who led England through many wars and political upheavals. The monarchy of England gained power with the reign of William the Conqueror. The Tower of London became a focal point for many affairs of state and served multiple roles for the monarchy throughout its history.
5. Hundred Years War - This intermittent conflict between France and England began with the King Edward ill's claim to the French throne in 1337. During this period Edward ill switched the Tower castle's function to supply and storage of military equipment. It also led to the construction of the Wharf in response to the demands of supplying English forces abroad. Because of the demand for storage space the domestic accommodations of the Tower complex were put to use, including the King's accommodations. During the Hundred Years War factions of British subjects sided with the Catholic French King in hopes that a new monarch would restore Catholicism to England. The conflict ended with a final French victory in 1453.
6. Religion and the Monarchy - Best illustrated by the heirs of Henry VIII. Originally a Catholic King, Henry VllI broke with the Catholic Church when they refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, mother of his first child Mary. At Henry's death his son from his third marriage, Edward, a fervent Protestant, inherited the throne. When Edward died, a conspiracy ensued to place Lady Jane Grey (fourth in line to the throne and another devoted Protestant) in power. Queen Jane reigned for nine days before Mary and her advisors overthrew her. Jane was imprisoned and executed at the Tower the following year. Queen Mary then inherited the throne as rightful heir. Mary was a devoted Catholic whose decisions were often guided by her religion. Next in line was another of Henry VIII's daughters, Princess Elizabeth, a Protestant, by his second wife. A great political struggle erupted in the English court as the advisors of Queen Mary attempted to bar Princess Elizabeth from the throne. As Queen Mary's illness progressed she and her advisors became desperate and tried Princess Elizabeth for treason and conspiracy imprisoning her in the Tower. During this ongoing conflict the Tower played a role as prison for the many conspirators and persons accused of treason against the Crown in the name of religion.
7. The Reign of Queen Elizabeth I - A daughter of Henry VIII, Princess Elizabeth was tried for treason at the Tower of London by her half sister Queen Mary. Princess Elizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth I upon the death of Queen Mary in 1558. She was known as the Virgin Queen and her reign as the Golden Age. Elizabeth never married for political reasons and she is remembered as one of the greatest monarchs of England. She inherited a bankrupt kingdom fraught with religious and political tensions and built England into one of the most powerful and wealthiest nations of that time. Popular with the general populace Elizabeth was commonly known as 'Good Queen Bess'. She was a master politician and her reign, largely through her direct involvement, saw great political and military success for England and the development of social reform. She was Queen until her death in 1603.
8. Protestantism - This has been an ongoing struggle in Britain's history and the cause of a great deal of social and civil conflict and the lines along which many alliances were formed with other Europeans nations. Throughout England's early history the official religion of the country depended largely upon the monarch at the time until Queen Elizabeth established a common prayer book, which laid some of the groundwork for the Anglican religion. The debate also led to a great deal of persecution in England some of which occurred at the Tower of London.
9. Political and Religious Persecution - The Tower of London is perhaps best known as a prison for political prisoners. The prison population was at its greatest during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. During this time many were persecuted for political and religious views that differed from the monarchy and there was a great deal of strife across Britain. The imprisonment of many well-known persons in the Tower can be an introductory point to the topic of political and religious persecution and how it has been handled throughout the world.
10. The Reign of Henry VIII- one of Britain's more famous Kings Henry VIII is perhaps best known for his six wives. Henry used the Tower of London when the symbolic importance of the castle would benefit him politically. Two of his wives were tried, imprisoned and executed at the Tower.
11. Anne Boleyn - perhaps the most famous of Henry VIII's wives and mother to Queen Elizabeth I. The Great Hall of the Tower of London was repaired and restored for her coronation as Henry's Queen in 1532. Four years later she was tried for treason at the Tower and executed there on May 17, 1536.
12. Magna Carta - In 1215 the Tower was besieged by Barons and Londoners until King John granted Magna Carta, a document that would limit royal power. As a pledge that he would honor Magna Carta he gave up the Tower. The document would be the foundation of personal rights and freedoms now enjoyed in the U.K. and the U.S.
13. Battle of Britain - (also known as The Blitz) during World War II Germany conducted a bombing campaign over London. During these bombing raids a number of the Tower's structures were damaged. This is indicative of the damage and destruction that occurred throughout London, and other major cities of Europe during World War II.

In English this site can be used to explore the works of Chaucer. Geoffrey Chaucer was an official at the Tower of London and students can consider how and if his writings were influenced by his time at the Tower and they were reflective of his era? Read Shakespeare's Richard III which contains a scene staged at the Tower of London. Another writing exercise Tower of London would revolve around the phrase "if these walls could talk". The Tower has witnessed over 900 years of history, as an exercise have students write a narrative in the voice of the Tower. Explore the importance of speeches. The final (death) speeches of many of the nobles at the Tower are remarkable for their courage, composure and conviction in the face of death. How do some of these speeches reflect strength of character and conviction of faith? Explore how these traits or characteristics are mirrored in literature. Consider reading historical fiction based on some of the famous figures in the Tower's history. Read the Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn a work of historical fiction that focuses on Queen Elizabeth I being given an unknown diary of her mother's. The Tower's reputation also lends it to genre fiction, as there are many ghost stories associated with the Bloody Tower. Students can explore these stories and write their own.

Connections between this site and science are to consider human influence in the evolution and life cycle of animal species and the domestication of a wild species. The community of Ravens who live at the Tower have, in some sense, been domesticated. All have their wings clipped to prevent them from flying away from the Tower of London and freely roam the grounds. It is said that should the Ravens ever leave the Tower would fall. Students can consider how the Ravens have adapted to their environment, one that has been chosen for them. The Tower of London can also be used to explore changing weather patterns and their environmental effects. Weather records exist for the London area from the late 1400s onward. A project could trace how the immediate area of the Tower has been affected by changing weather patterns experienced globally and the effect of these patterns, through history, on the Tower and its functions. For example, during the 1500s the River Thames regularly froze during winter. Winters were so cold that when the river froze they were able to have bonfires on the River. However, this severely hindered the ability to use the Thames as a waterway to supply troops. Other science aspects that can be explored relate to the moat and hydraulics. Also astronomy, as the Tower has been used for observation.

Connections between this site and mathematics are height, volume and area and weights and measures. Use mathematical equations to determine the thickness of the stone walls of the White Tower which stands 90 feet tall. Compare the outside dimensions with the interior space. How has building technology evolved to allow for taller buildings with thinner walls? Determine how thick the walls of the Tower would be today using modem building technology.
      Many of our current systems of measurement (feet and pounds for example) are based on British systems of weights and measures. The British government set an official standard for all sorts of measurements, which became standardized throughout England and later to British possessions including New England. How would it benefit a society to have a standard system of weights and measures? How do you think these systems were developed? The treasury housed within the Tower or London would have played an important role in regulating weights and measures for currency and exchange. What system of measurement would students design if they could create a new system? What would their system be based on and why?

Some recommended activities to use with the site are to explore the Tower's famous prisoners and the reasons for their persecution. Create a mock courtroom and re-try the prisoners. Build scaled models of the Tower then have students design their own fortress and build a scaled model of it. Look at building complexes that have evolved over time. The Tower of London is a fortress that was built during a series of building campaigns based upon need. As a result it combines different building technologies and styles. Have students create a time chart of the Tower's evolution and compare it to other complexes or structures that have evolved overtime. Examples of complexes that have developed over time in New York City are the Museum of Natural History, St. John the Divine and the campus of Brooklyn College (and many other college campuses). Watch some of the many movies that take place at the Tower of revolve around key events in the Tower's history (e.g. Elizabeth and Lady Jane).

Some recommended activities to use on a visit to this site are not applicable as it is unlikely the students will be able to visit the Tower of London. However, at a visit to a local site that has evolved over time, students can look for clues of the building's previous appearance and use changes over time. How have these changes been hidden or emphasized? Why were these choices made?

Some other ideas, which could be explored or expanded on having to do with this site, are political persecution and religious tolerance. Look at different monetary systems throughout the world. Use Bon Fire Night (November 5), an annual tradition in Britain to commemorate Guy Fawkes to explore the tradition and evolution of national holidays. Fawkes was part of the Gunpowder Plot to assassinate the King, he was tried, found guilty of treason and beheaded at the Tower. Some have wondered if they are celebrating Fawkes' defeat or the conspiracy he was part of. On this night effigies of Guy Fawkes are burned on the bon fires. He is also subject of a children's nursery rhyme.