The Middle Tower
- English National Heritage List: The Middle Tower, With Causeway To Byward Tower (Qv) And Remains Of Causeway To Lion Tower To West
- Address: Tower Place West
- Vicinity: Causeway To Byward Tower (Qv) and Remains of Causeway To Lion Tower to West
- As Noted In: English National Heritage Listed I, Historic England
The Middle Tower is a restored 13th century gatehouse at the Tower of London in London, England. - AsNotedIn
We were to stay in London for several weeks as it was Cousin Pat's first time in Europe and he was keen to see all the historic things. Our first day was plain sailing; he liked it, and his ills abated on dry land. The second day we were to escort him to the Tower of London, and, as I had been there many times before, I took my fountain pen and some writing paper in my bag to write some letters while the others went through the Tower.
On reaching the entrance I was surprised to be told that on account of the outrages committed by the Suffragettes no one was allowed to carry anything in his hand; purses and bags must be sealed and checked at the gate. I took out the paper and fountain pen and asked if I could take them with me. The officer solemnly examined the pen and handed it back, saying; "Thank you, I see no harm in that." I found a nice shady corner on one of the side entrances and settled myself to write. Deep in a letter, I suddenly became aware of being watched. I looked up to find a tall Britisher in a crimson-coated uniform, holding a gun, standing above me. I was so surprised that involuntarily I said: "What's the matter;" and before he replied I realized I was the centre of a circle of onlookers. He said: "I am here to watch you; we don't trust women these days." It was the day of tight skirts, so I could not have concealed a bomb had I tried, but it was so funny that even the soldier smiled when two others joined him and the three stood over me until my friends returned, which, in the circumstances, seemed hours to me. I rose to join them, observing, "Well, there are my friends, I am glad to say."
One of the soldiers remarked to another: "Not half so glad as we are." But to me they saluted and, shouldering their arms, escorted us to the gate where I said: "Thank you for your good care.