Toilets, pickpockets and Beefeaters

1851

THE TOWER

Sir, - Few strangers leave town without paying a visit to the Tower, and every one must be struck with the incivility and want of accommodation therein. Upon entering the gates this afternoon I found some hundreds of persons, male and female, huddled together, striving to obtain tickets from a window under a portico where no two persons can pass abreast, and the scene there reminded me of what might be expected at the gallery entrance of a theatre on boxing night. After waiting just one hour we obtained our tickets and were ordered into what is called the ante or refreshment room. This room is about 12ft. by 18ft., with a counter containing ginger pop, buns, &c., immediately behind which are two waterclosets (I understand recently erected). I will not attempt to describe the stench one had to contend with, the place being completely crammed with persons waiting their turns or numbers to be called, but merely add that this room seems to be the resort of pickpockets, two ladies having been eased of their purses, containing some pounds, during the half hour I was present therein.
    The management, or rather the mismanagement, of this fortress devolves upon the Board of Ordnance, and is really a disgrace to them, and such as no public company would dare to offer. Surely, with the many thousands of pounds annually spent upon this place, a room might be erected, in the interior of the fortress fit for respectable people to enter, instead of a tarpauling covered shed, formerly the receptacle of coals, &c.
    As this will probably meet the eyes of the officials, I will just observe that it would be as well if the "wardens" were taught a little civility. They appear under no control, and quarrel among themselves, in language not the most refined. I do not see the use of these gentlemen, as most of the figures, &c., are ticketed. I think their services might be dispensed with, at any rate, as far as the public are concerned. The Tower has also a police force within its walls, but it appears of no use to the visitors, as robberies committed this afternoon took place within two yards of one of them, who, when appealed to, replied that he was not aware of the presence of the swell mob. Did this worthy expect notice to that effect?
    Asking your pardon for troubling you at such length and advising visitors to the Tower to take care of their pockets,
    I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
        A COUNTRY VISITOR
Bishopsgate-street, Aug.20.

letter to The Times 23 August 1851