IMC 2014: Sessions

Session 631: Money, Munitions, and Menagerie: The Birth of Royal Institutions at the Tower of London

Organiser:	Megan Gooch, Tower of London, Historic Royal Palaces
Moderator/Chair:	David Green, Centre for British Studies, Harlaxton College, University of Evansville
Paper 631-a	Coins and Kings: The Medieval Mint in the Tower of London (Language: English) Megan Gooch, Tower of London, Historic Royal Palaces Index terms: Economics - General, Numismatics
Paper 631-b	Kings, Armourers, and the Tower in the Early 14th Century (Language: English) Malcolm Mercer, Royal Armouries, London Index terms: Archaeology - General, Art History - General, Military History, Politics and Diplomacy
Paper 631-c	Animal Diplomacy: The Royal Menagerie at the Tower of London and the 'Royal Beasts' Exhibition (Language: English) Sally Dixon-Smith, Tower of London, Historic Royal Palaces Index terms: Architecture - Secular, Heraldry, Social History
Abstract	The Tower of London is most widely known as a prison, yet this formidable fortress played a vital role in the development of other institutions. The Mint, armoury, and menagerie flourished in the medieval Tower as they jostled for space and resources within its walls. The production of coins, armour, and weapons proved the financial and military might of medieval kings, whilst the lions, elephants, and polar bears of the menagerie were symbolic of immense royal wealth and power.