14 minute read
- Tower of London
- Line of Kings
The Line of Kings - Part 5
2013 - Present
In 2013, after nearly 5 centuries of development, the Line of Kings underwent its latest change. Decades of research and practice in conservation are poured into the exhibition. Today, the attraction is designed not only to be as historically accurate as possible but also to preserve the armour so it can be enjoyed for many years to come.
4 minute read
A Modern Redesign
With a new century came a new plan to re-display the ‘Line’. In 2011, the curators at the Tower undertook new research into the principal objects of the exhibition. This included re-examining manuscripts, original documents at The National Archives, and printed accounts of historic displays. During 2012, the 17th century wooden horses and some heads underwent scientific testing, including paint analysis, tree ring analysis, fibre-optic examination, and X-rays.
The results showed interesting differences in the construction methods and paintwork. Unfortunately, it was not possible to establish definite connections between horses or heads and craftsmen named in the original documents. In early 2013, new exhibition designs for the Line of Kings were approved and the old display closed ready for the new.
Problems of the Past
The Line of Kings display from 2013 onwards combines old and new features. All the objects have formed part of one or more of the earlier Horse Armoury exhibitions at the Tower of London. However, the new representation of this attraction was influenced by factors including new research and conservation considerations. Its predecessors had been more concerned with propaganda and topicality. Only later did scholarship and historical accuracy become priorities.
While certain armours were correctly attributed to their owners even in the 17th century, most were not. Today’s exhibition is the culmination of 200 years of investigation. Careful study in the 19th century led to the accurate identification of objects once labelled as the armour of ‘William the Conqueror’ or ‘John of Gaunt’.
Almost too popular
The present display has different problems to grapple with. More people can visit the display on a busy day in the 21st century than would have in an entire year during the 18th century. Visitors now move through the gallery independently, without the benefit of a guide.
Furthermore, the objects and our attitudes towards them have changed. The Line of Kings was originally planned as a spectacular display of royal strength. Each wooden horse was originally ‘ridden’ by a king dressed in armour. That is no longer possible because some horses are unable to support the extra weight. The armours are now displayed inside showcases instead.
New Interpretations
These differences were recognised by the exhibition team as opportunities rather than problems. Rather than trying to recreate a display from the past, curators and designers produced something new. The project team presented visitors with the idea that they were following in the footsteps of millions of earlier visitors.
Throughout the gallery, information panels and labels include drawings, prints and photographs of previous versions of the Line. Published descriptions by visitors from previous centuries who had seen the Line of Kings at the Tower are also featured.
A Line of Kings
The horses and heads are also given equal prominence with the arms and armour. In the past, the horses and heads were regarded as props designed to make the royal armours look all that more impressive. Visitors today, however, can see the horses from a variety of angles. This allows the public to view the mannequins as having the same historic value as the armour they wear.
The Line of Kings now occupies the entrance floor of the White Tower. It not only tells the story of the arms and armour of kings and princes, but also the story of how each generation has interpreted our heritage. After more than nearly 5 centuries, the Line continues to evolve - a historic display shaped by changing ideas about our past and how to preserve it for the future.
Find out more about the Line of Kings in our online collection
Visit the Line of Kings
The Line of Kings is one of the oldest visitor attractions in the UK, displaying the arms and armour of monarchs throughout English and British history. From suits of armour designed for young princes to chest plates engraved with declarations of love and union, the Line of Kings is a fascinating look into not only strength of arms but the projection of power etched into metal. The Line of Kings is currently located in the White Tower. Admission is free to visitors with their Tower of London ticket.
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