Ronald Maddox (British, B. 1930) "Tower of London" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 9p Towwer of London stamp issued March 1, 1978. Vast. Overpowering. Aloof from the rest of bustling, modern-day London. The fabled Tower of London stands as a monument to Medieval Great Britain. It is a silent witness to nine hundred years of political intrigue and royal crisis. Bombings, fires and mob violence. Coronation processions and lavish banquets. Torture and daring escapes. Henry VIII, Sir Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh are just a few of the historic figures whose fame and fate -- was intimately tied to the Tower. The Tower is dominated by the massive White Tower built by William the Conquerer in 1078. The design, both interior and exterior, is Spartan. Every consideration is subservient to obtaining the greatest possible strength and security. The outer walls vary in thickness from fifteen feet on the bottom to eleven feet at the top story. Many legends and superstitions are tied to the Tower of London, but perhaps one of the most fascinating is the story of the ravens: There have always been ravens in the Tower of London. They have made their homes amid the rising turrets and battlements for centuries, making themselves useful as scavengers. But even after that service was no longer required, their presence was encouraged. For, the legend runs, if the ravens leave, the Tower will fall and the greatness and glory of Britain will fade. Today, six ravens are kept "on the establishment," with their wings clipped so they cannot fly away -- thus ensuring Britain's survival. Image Size: 8.75 x 10.5 in. Overall Size: 15.5 x 15.25 in. Unframed. (B05125) See More