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The making of 'Fortress': Part one

Slideshow

See how Kevin Boys and his team created the metalwork garrison.

The making of Fortress: Metalwork garrison

To help visitors explore the history of the Tower as a Fortress, a blacksmith was commissioned to create six life-size metal soldiers. With crossbows, longbows and swords at the ready, they now stand guard at strategic locations around the Tower.

This is how they were made…

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a. Starting small

The metalwork garrison began life as two small scale maquettes.

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b. Blacksmith at work

Kevin Boys begins work on the full size soldiers.

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c. Sparks fly

Work in progress in the forge at Surrey Docks Farm.

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d. Taking shape

A soldier's arm - one down, 11 to go!

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e. Attention to detail

Each of the six soldiers is unique down to the finest detail.

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f. Life-size soldier

The exhibition project team visited the forge to inspect the Tower’s newest recruits.

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g. Finishing touches

Armour and decoration befitting a medieval soldier.

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h. Arriving at the Tower

One of the new arrivals is wheeled along Water Lane.

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i. Standing guard

The fearsome new guard of the Salt Tower takes up his post.

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j. Shooting gallery

A crossbowman watches over Traitor’s Gate.

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