4, 1805, was a popular rather than a great writer. A
solicitor's son, he was himself trained in the law, but some
adventures in journalism led him finally to the literary life,
his first success as a writer of romance being scored with
"Rookwood" in 1834. "Tower of London" was the fourth work of
the novelist, and, according to Ainsworth himself, it was
written chiefly with the aim of interesting his
fellow-countrymen in the historical associations of the Tower.
From the popularity of the romance it is reasonable to suppose
that it fulfilled its author's hopes in this respect, though
it must be confessed its history leaves a good deal to be
desired. Here is not the place to discuss the rights and
wrongs of Ainsworth's bold liberties in respect to the
historical personages he introduces; but there is no doubt
that the romance is told with vigour and dramatic movement,
and it is an excellent example of the novelist's spirited
style of narrative, though, judged on purely literary merits,
like his other works, the "Tower of London" will not bear
comparison with the masterpieces of Sir Walter Scott in the
field of historical romance. Ainsworth died at Reigate on
January 3, 1882.


_I.--Prisoners in the Tower_


Edward VI. was dead, poisoned, it was rumoured, by the Duke of
Northumberland, Grandmaster of the Realm. For three days had an attempt
been made to keep his death secret, so that the proud and ambitious duke
might seize the persons of the Princess Mary and the Princess Elizabeth.