The Byward Tower - Proposed Restoration

Beginning in the 1850s, a significant programme of restoration was undertaken across the Tower of London. Controversially, several of the medieval towers were altered to give them a more 'medieval' appearance.

This proposal for restoring the Byward Tower includes suggestions for new, Gothic-style windows, battlements, and chimneys, and the removal of vegetation from the exterior of the building. Although the scheme was approved by the Constable in 1899, the restoration of this tower was never carried out.

In this drawing, the draughtsman has used a historical style of lettering to evoke the Tower's ancient pedigree and lend legitimacy to the scheme.