The Tower of London is an iconic medieval fortress and palace located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. For over 900 years, it has been a symbol of royal power, a grim prison, and the guardian of England's most precious treasures—the Crown Jewels. As one of the most visited attractions in the UK, it attracts over 2.5 million visitors annually and remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Tower of London" ensemble.
A Millennium of Royal Power: The Tower's Rich History
The Tower of London was founded in 1078 by William the Conqueror shortly after his victory at the Battle of Hastings. The White Tower, the central keep that gives the complex its name, was built to intimidate London's citizens and protect the new Norman rulers from rebellion.
Throughout its history, the Tower has served multiple crucial functions:
- Royal Palace: For centuries, English monarchs lived, worked, and entertained within its walls. Henry VIII and his wives resided here, and Elizabeth I was imprisoned in the Tower before her coronation.
- Royal Mint: From 1279 to 1810, the Tower housed England's mint, producing coins and safeguarding bullion.
- Royal Menagerie: The Tower maintained a zoo from the 13th century until 1835, featuring exotic animals given as gifts to the monarchs, including the first polar bear in England.
- Armory and Ordnance: The Tower stored weapons and ammunition, evolving into the Royal Armouries museum.
The Tower as a Prison: Tales of Intrigue and Execution
Perhaps most famously, the Tower served as a state prison for high-profile captives. While only seven people were executed within the Tower itself (compared to thousands on nearby Tower Hill), its reputation as a place of terror was well-deserved.
- Famous Prisoners: The Tower held figures like Sir Thomas More, Guy Fawkes, Rudolf Hess, and the Kray twins. Many were tortured in the rack, scold's bridle, or other medieval devices.
- The Princes in the Tower: The mysterious disappearance and presumed murder of Edward V and his brother Richard in 1483 remains one of history's greatest unsolved mysteries.
- Executions: Notable executions within the Tower include Anne Boleyn (1536), Catherine Howard (1542), and the Earl of Essex (1601). The executioner's block and axe are still on display.
Architectural Marvels: From Norman Keep to Victorian Restoration
The Tower complex comprises 21 towers and structures, each with its own history and purpose.
The White Tower: The Original Fortress
Standing 90 feet (27 meters) tall, the White Tower is the oldest part of the complex. Its Caen stone walls are 15 feet thick at the base. Inside, visitors can see the medieval great hall, the Chapel of St. John (the oldest church in England still in use), and displays of armor from different eras.
The Crown Jewels: Priceless Royal Treasures
The Tower's most famous attraction is the Crown Jewels, kept in the Jewel House since 1669. This collection includes:
- St. Edward's Crown: Used for coronations since 1661, containing 444 precious stones
- The Imperial State Crown: Worn by the monarch for state occasions, featuring the 105-carat Cullinan II diamond
- The Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross: Contains the world's largest cut diamond, the 530-carat Cullinan I
- Royal Maces and Swords: Ceremonial objects dating back to the 17th century
Other Notable Structures
- The Bloody Tower: Site of the Princes' disappearance and Sir Walter Raleigh's imprisonment
- The Wakefield Tower: Contains the finest medieval toilet in England
- The Martin Tower: Houses the Royal Observatory's astronomical instruments
- The Beauchamp Tower: Features graffiti carved by prisoners including the future Queen Mary I
The Yeoman Warders: The Tower's Guardians
The Tower is guarded by the Yeoman Warders, more commonly known as "Beefeaters." These ceremonial guardians have protected the Tower since 1485. They conduct the nightly Ceremony of the Keys and give guided tours. To become a Yeoman Warder, one must have served at least 22 years in the armed forces and reached the rank of warrant officer.
Planning Your Visit: Essential Information
Opening Hours and Admission
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM), daily except January 1 and December 24-26
- Ticket Prices: Adult tickets start at £30, with various combo tickets available
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning on weekdays to avoid peak crowds
What to See and Do
The Tower offers several experiences:
- Guided Tours: Yeoman Warder tours depart regularly and are included with admission
- Crown Jewels Exhibition: A separate ticket is required for this popular attraction
- Armouries Exhibition: Showcases weapons and armor from the 15th-17th centuries
- Ravens: See the Tower's famous ravens, which legend says protect the Crown
- Ceremony of the Keys: Watch the nightly locking ceremony (book in advance)
Accessibility and Practical Tips
- Wheelchair Access: The Tower is wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps
- Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages
- Food and Drink: Several cafes and restaurants within the complex
- Photography: Allowed throughout but flash photography is prohibited in certain areas
Getting There
The Tower is easily accessible by:
- Tube: Tower Hill (Circle, District, Piccadilly lines) or London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern, Overground)
- Bus: Multiple routes stop nearby
- River: Thames Clippers river bus service
- Walking: From London Bridge (15 minutes) or Monument (20 minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the Crown Jewels real?
- Yes, the Crown Jewels are genuine royal regalia used in coronations and state occasions. They're heavily guarded and insured for hundreds of millions of pounds.
- How long does it take to visit the Tower?
- Plan for 2-3 hours minimum. With Crown Jewels and special exhibitions, you could easily spend 4-5 hours.
- Is the Tower haunted?
- Many visitors and staff report paranormal experiences. Famous ghosts include Anne Boleyn, the White Lady, and the Princes in the Tower.
- Can I take photos inside?
- Photography is allowed throughout the Tower, but flash photography is prohibited in the Crown Jewels exhibition and certain other areas to protect artifacts.
- What's the best time to see the Ceremony of the Keys?
- The ceremony takes place at 9:53 PM daily. You must book tickets in advance as spaces are limited.