The Tower of London

Tower of London Overview

Across the centuries, the Tower of London has been a prison, an allotment site, a zoo, a palace and a museum. However, it is as a symbol of Royal power in the United Kingdom that makes it now one of London's top tourist attractions, bringing in millions of visitors every year in spite of the rather steep entrance fees.

While the site on the north bank of the River Thames was originally fortified by the Romans, the Tower as it is known today was established in 1078 by William the Conqueror as he sought to consolidate his grip on his restless new kingdom.

This original single tower, which was finally completed 25 years later, boasted walls 25-feet thick which protected living quarters, crypts, guardrooms and a notorious prison.

In 1240, King Henry II moved in, repainted William's tower white and renamed the whole site the Tower of London, which by now included a zoo, while his Middle-Ages successors, including Richard II and King Henry VII further enhanced its stature and bloody reputation as dozens of infamous and historic figures were either incarcerated or executed behind its walls.

In more recent times, the Tower of London has guarded the Crown Jewels, including the Sovereign Crown and the world's largest cut diamond, set within the royal sceptre.

Tower of London Location

The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames, close to the City of London and a number of other top tourist sites. The iconic Tower Bridge gives the Tower an impressive backdrop, while across the Thames, HMS Belfast and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre can be seen and easily reached along the bustling riverside paths.

The Tower is easily accessed by public transport, with Tower Hill tube and Monument being just a few minutes away, as well as a number of buses and boats arriving from across the city. On Tower Hill itself - close to the original Roman walls of London - there are a number of pubs and cafes, including those which served as a 'last drop inn' for condemned prisoners due to meet their

Why Visit the Tower of London

The Tower of London has been home to more historical events, as well as myths and legends, than perhaps any other site in the whole of the UK and, as such, represents the ideal family day out.

It was here that Henry VIII executed three of his wives, where traitor Guy Fawkes was imprisoned and interrogated over his role in the Gunpowder Plot and where the 'Prices in the Tower' disappeared without a trace. All of these events and many more are superbly illustrated in a series of exhibitions, though nothing beats a tour of the Tower by its resident experts, the Yeoman Warders, or 'Beefeaters'. Aside from the history, the Crown Jewels are worth the trip in themselves, while a series of special events, including lectures, plays and musical concerts take place on a regular basis during the spring and summer months.

Given that myth has it that when the last raven leaves the Tower of London and the British monarchy will fall, it's probably best to err on the side of caution and visit sooner rather than later.