The Tower of London: Creating a 13th-Century World Within its Walls

drjohnsonshouse
Feb 20
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

A night-time view of the White Tower at the Tower of London, seen through the archway of a stone entrance. The Norman stonework of the arch frames the illuminated fortress, with its tall, pale walls and corner turrets glowing warmly against the deep blue sky. A large leafless tree stands in front of the tower, its bare branches silhouetted. The cobbled pathway in the foreground leads into the historic site, adding to the atmospheric, moody scene.

Lunchtime Lectures - Dr Johnson's House Series

Tuesday 29 July

12.30pm - 1.30pm

£3.96 (booking required)

Book now for this instalment of our monthly lunchtime lectures, part of an annual programme of talks held at Dr Johnson's House, kindly sponsored by The Fleet Street Quarter BID.

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Dr Samantha Ward-Smith’s talk examines how archaeology and historical records surrounding a building can shape historical fiction, with her novel Tower of Vengeance set in the Medieval Tower of London. She shows how writers use research—architecture, excavations, chronicles, and archival sources—to create an authentic sense of the past.

Her work explores elements of daily life, including the lesser-known history of taverns within the Tower itself—spaces that evolved from simple alehouses to more established drinking quarters serving garrisoned soldiers, workers, and visitors. It also reflects the turbulent experiences of the Jewish community, who endured persecution, forced levies, and eventual expulsion. These historical threads are subtly woven into the story to deepen the setting without overwhelming the reader.

Dr Samantha Ward-Smith Dr Samantha Ward-Smith recently published her debut novel Tower of Vengeance, a historical fiction novel set in the Tower of London in 13th century. She lived in London for over 30 years working in investment banking, also pursuing a PhD in English at Birkbeck. For the past 13 years, she has also been a volunteer at the Tower, which has provided her with invaluable insights into its history—many of which deeply influenced her writing. She now lives in Kent by the sea with her two cats, Belle and Rudy.

Your ticket includes the opportunity to look around Dr Johnson's House as well as a complimentary lunch from local business Dilieto on Fleet Street.

Lunch will be served at this event: please let us know 48 hours in advance, via an Eventbrite message, if you have any specific dietary requirements or have any allergies.