Name: Tower of London
Address: London EC3N 4AB, UK
Telephone: 0333 320 6000
Rating: 4.6

Centuries of bloody history around a medieval castle, home to Crown Jewels and iconic Beefeaters.

London Eye

Provided by Google

Buckingham Palace

Tower Bridge

The British Museum

Hyde Park

While commonly known as the Tower of London, its official name is much longer and grander: Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London.

Official Name

There are many intriguing facts about the Tower of London, including its history as a prison, a royal residence, and a treasury.

Fascinating Facts

The work of William Harrison Ainsworth, particularly his novel 'The Tower of London: A Historical Romance,' played a significant role in shaping the public's perception of the Tower, emphasizing its dark and mysterious past.

Influential Writer

Ainsworth's suggestion led to the opening of Beauchamp Tower to the public, allowing visitors to see the inscriptions left by 16th- and 17th-century prisoners.

Prisoner Inscriptions

Tower of London

The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an iconic fortress on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Tower has served as a royal palace, a political prison, a place of execution, an arsenal, a royal mint, a menagerie, and a public records office. The central keep, known as the White Tower, is the oldest surviving building in London. The Tower's inner and outer wards are surrounded by 13 towers, including the Bloody Tower, the Beauchamp Tower, and the Wakefield Tower. The Tower was a royal residence until the 17th century and housed the Royal Menagerie from the 13th century to 1834. It became a prison and place of execution for politically related crimes, with notable inmates including Sir Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, and Guy Fawkes. The British crown jewels and regalia are now housed in a more spacious aboveground facility. A military garrison is maintained within the Tower, which is held for the sovereign by a constable, who is always a field marshal. The Tower is guarded by the yeoman warders, or "beefeaters," who still wear a Tudor uniform and live within the Tower. Ravens with clipped wings are kept on the grounds by the yeoman ravenmaster, a tradition dating back to the time of King Charles II.

Introduction

The Tower of London, a formidable fortress on the north bank of the River Thames, has served as a political prison for centuries. Its grim walls have witnessed the confinement of countless individuals who fell from grace or posed a threat to the monarchy.

One of the earliest known political prisoners was Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham, imprisoned in 1100 for extortion. Over the centuries, the Tower held notable figures such as Sir Walter Raleigh, imprisoned for 13 years for alleged treason against King James I. The infamous "Princes in the Tower," Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, disappeared mysteriously within its walls in 1483, their fate shrouded in mystery.

During the Tudor era, the Tower became synonymous with political persecution. Elizabeth I, before her accession to the throne, was imprisoned there for her suspected involvement in a plot against Queen Mary I. Sir Thomas More, the Lord Chancellor, met his demise within the Tower's walls in 1535 for refusing to acknowledge Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

The Tower's reputation as a place of torture and execution was cemented during the 16th and 17th centuries. Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, was beheaded on Tower Green in 1536, accused of adultery and treason. Lady Jane Grey, the "Nine Days' Queen," was executed there in 1554 for her claim to the throne.

In the 20th century, the Tower witnessed the execution of 12 spies during the First and Second World Wars. Its dark history as a political prison serves as a chilling reminder of the power struggles and injustices that have unfolded within its ancient walls.

Political Prison

Tower of London, a formidable fortress and royal palace, stands as a testament to England's rich history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, the White Tower, the castle's iconic centerpiece, served as a royal residence for centuries. Monarchs from Henry III to Charles II prepared for their coronations within its walls, leading processions to Westminster Abbey from the Tower.

The palace's grandeur extended beyond its royal quarters. It housed the Royal Mint, the Crown Jewels, and a menagerie of exotic animals. The Constable of the Tower, a position of great power and trust, oversaw the castle in the monarch's absence.

Despite its opulent history, the Tower also served as a prison, holding infamous figures like Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh. However, executions were more common on Tower Hill, with over a century of beheadings taking place there.

In the 19th century, the Tower underwent extensive restoration, returning it to its perceived medieval appearance. Today, it remains a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into England's royal and military past.

Royal Palace

The Tower of London has been the secure home of the Crown Jewels for centuries, safeguarding the priceless symbols of British monarchy. The Jewel House, a fortified tower within the Tower of London, houses a dazzling collection of over 23,578 gemstones, including the iconic Imperial State Crown, St Edward's Crown, and the Sovereign's Sceptre. These treasures, steeped in history and tradition, are meticulously guarded by the Yeomen Warders, also known as Beefeaters, who have sworn to protect the Crown Jewels with their lives. Visitors can marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance of these national treasures, gaining a glimpse into the opulent world of British royalty.

Crown Jewels Storage

The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, stands as a testament to England's rich history and architectural prowess. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this iconic fortress has served as a royal palace, a treasury, an armory, and a prison over the centuries. Its most notable role, however, has been as the site of numerous executions, including those of Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More.

The Tower's architectural significance lies in its Norman keep, the White Tower, which is the oldest surviving stone building in London. The complex also boasts a series of curtain walls, towers, and gates, showcasing the evolution of defensive architecture from the medieval period to the 19th century.

Beyond its historical and architectural significance, the Tower of London holds immense cultural value. Its Crown Jewels, a collection of priceless royal regalia, are a major tourist attraction, while the Ceremony of the Keys, a nightly ritual dating back to the 14th century, continues to fascinate visitors.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London is recognized for its outstanding universal value as a symbol of power, authority, and the evolution of British monarchy and society. Its historical significance, architectural grandeur, and cultural legacy make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring England's rich past.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Tower of London, a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England, holds a prominent place in English history. Founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest, the Tower has served as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. The massive White Tower, built by William the Conqueror in 1078, is a typical example of Norman military architecture and remains a prominent feature of the castle. Throughout its history, the Tower has played a significant role in English history, serving as a royal residence, a prison, and a place of execution. The Tower's complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat has witnessed numerous sieges and has been central to controlling the country. Despite its enduring reputation as a place of torture and death, only seven people were executed within the Tower before the world wars of the 20th century. Today, the Tower of London is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions, cared for by the charity Historic Royal Palaces and protected as a World Heritage Site.

The Royal Mint's presence within the Tower of London spanned centuries, leaving an indelible mark on both institutions. By 1279, the mint had found a secure home within the Tower's formidable walls, where it remained for over 500 years. The Tower's medieval fortifications provided an ideal setting for the mint's operations, safeguarding the precious metals and ensuring the integrity of the coinage.

During this time, the Royal Mint played a pivotal role in shaping British currency. The Tower's facilities allowed for the mechanization of minting processes, leading to advancements in coin production and security. The mint's skilled craftsmen produced coins that circulated throughout the British Empire, establishing the reputation of both the Royal Mint and the Tower of London.

However, the cramped conditions within the Tower eventually posed challenges for the expanding mint. Disputes with the garrison and the need for modernization prompted the relocation of the Royal Mint to a more spacious facility in the 1960s. Despite its departure, the Tower of London remains inextricably linked to the history of the Royal Mint, serving as a testament to the institution's enduring legacy in British coinage.

Royal Mint

The Tower of London Armouries, a renowned collection of arms and armor, resides within the historic Tower of London. Originally established in the 15th century, the armouries played a crucial role in safeguarding the English monarchy and equipping its armies. Today, it houses an unparalleled collection of over 50,000 artifacts, spanning from medieval weaponry to ceremonial armor.

One of the most captivating exhibits is the Line of Kings, a series of effigies depicting English monarchs clad in elaborate armor. These figures, dating back to the 16th century, provide a glimpse into the grandeur and pageantry of royal ceremonies. Visitors can also marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the Greenwich Armouries, established by Henry VIII in the 16th century. This collection showcases the finest examples of armor, adorned with intricate engravings and gilded embellishments.

The armouries also boast a remarkable collection of firearms, including the iconic "Brown Bess" musket, widely used by British soldiers during the 18th and 19th centuries. The presence of these weapons highlights the Tower's transformation from a medieval fortress to a center of military innovation.

Exploring the Tower of London Armouries offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of warfare and the evolution of weaponry. From the gleaming suits of armor worn by knights to the sophisticated firearms that shaped the course of battles, the armouries provide a captivating journey through centuries of military prowess.

Tower of London Armouries

The Tower of London, a fortress with a grim history, served as a place of execution for centuries. While most executions occurred on Tower Hill, a few notable individuals met their end within the Tower's walls. Among them were three queens: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey, all beheaded for treason. Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, suffered a gruesome execution in 1541, hacked to death by an incompetent executioner. The last person executed within the Tower was Josef Jakobs, a German spy, shot by a firing squad in 1941. The Tower's association with executions has left a lasting legacy, with its execution sites serving as grim reminders of its bloody past.

Tower of London

Did You Know?

Official Name

Fascinating Facts

Influential Writer

Prisoner Inscriptions

Highlights from Reviews

Location