The Tower of London, officially His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located in central London, England. Situated on the north bank of the River Thames within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, it stands as an iconic symbol of British history and a must-see destination for any visitor to London1. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as a royal residence, a prison, an armory, a treasury, and even a menagerie over its long and fascinating history1.
A Rich and Varied History
William the Conqueror, fresh from his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, established the Tower of London to keep the potentially hostile Londoners at bay2. The Tower’s construction began with a wooden motte and bailey structure shortly after the Norman Conquest. In the 1070s, work began on the imposing White Tower, a massive stone fortress that would give the entire castle its name2. The White Tower was completed in 1078, built by Norman masons using stone brought from Caen in France1. Initially, the White Tower was a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new Norman ruling class1.
World Heritage Site
The Tower of London was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 19883. It was recognized for its significance as “one of the most complete and influential examples of Norman military architecture in the world” and for its role in English history3. The Tower meets several criteria for World Heritage status, including:
- Criterion (ii): It exhibits an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.
- Criterion (iv): It is an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history3.
Over the centuries, the Tower was expanded by various kings, each adding their own contributions to this historic fortress1. Richard I, for example, built the moat using water diverted from the River Thames3. Henry III added the inner ward in the 1190s, and Edward I rebuilt the outer curtain wall in 12851. The Tower served as a royal residence until the 17th century, and from the 13th century to 1834, it housed the Royal Menagerie.
The Tower of London has played a prominent role in English history. It was besieged several times, and controlling it has been important to controlling the country1. The Tower has served variously as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England1. From the early 14th century until the reign of Charles II in the 17th century, the monarch would traditionally prepare for several nights at the Tower and lead a procession from there to Westminster Abbey for their coronation1.
Before 1860, the Tower of London also served as a repository for public records4. The Wakefield Tower within the Tower complex was used for storage and was referred to as the Records Tower. Keepers were employed to catalog and look after the records kept in the Tower under the nominal supervision of the Master of the Rolls4.
Perhaps most famously, the Tower served as a prison for those who fell out of favor with the monarchy. Notable prisoners include Elizabeth I before she became queen, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth Throckmorton1. While only seven executions were carried out within the Tower walls, including that of Anne Boleyn, the Tower Hill to the north of the castle witnessed 112 executions over a period of more than 600 years, from 1381 to 1941.
The Tower of London’s role has transformed over time. Initially a symbol of Norman oppression, it gradually became a symbol of London and the monarchy itself1. This evolution reflects the changing relationship between the monarchy and the people of England.
Exploring the Tower Today
Today, the Tower of London stands as one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the globe1. Within its historic walls, visitors can explore a wealth of attractions that bring history to life.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| The Crown Jewels | Housed within the Jewel House, the Crown Jewels are a dazzling collection of regalia, including crowns, sceptres, orbs, and other exquisite treasures5. These jewels represent the pinnacle of royal opulence and offer a tangible link to centuries of tradition5. Visitors have the unique opportunity to see these iconic symbols of the British monarchy up close5. |
| The White Tower | This imposing medieval fortress at the heart of the Tower of London stands as a symbol of strength and power5. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it holds a rich history within its walls5. Visitors can explore the Line of Kings, a display of historic armor; Armoury in Action, which showcases the Tower’s role as an armory; and St John’s Chapel, a beautifully preserved Norman chapel6. |
| Medieval Palace | Step back in time and discover the Medieval Palace, where medieval royals once lived7. Explore the beautifully recreated rooms and imagine the lives of kings and queens who resided within the Tower walls. |
| The Ravens | Meet the legendary ravens, said to be the guardians of the Tower8. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall9. These ravens are cared for by a dedicated Ravenmaster and are a popular attraction for visitors. |
| Yeoman Warder Tours | Take a tour led by a Yeoman Warder, also known as a “Beefeater,” and hear fascinating stories about the Tower’s history7. These tours depart every 30 minutes and are included with your admission ticket10. The Yeoman Warders, with their distinctive red and black uniforms, are an integral part of the Tower’s history and provide a unique and engaging tour experience. |
| The Battlements | Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the historic South Battlements7. Walk along the walls and imagine the Tower’s role as a defensive fortress. |
| Bloody Tower | Explore the Bloody Tower, where many historical figures were imprisoned6. This tower is named for the supposed murder of the “Princes in the Tower,” Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, in 1483. |
| Torture at the Tower | Learn about the Tower’s grim history as a place of torture6. Discover the methods used and the stories of those who were imprisoned and tortured within the Tower walls. |
| Tower Menagerie | While the menagerie no longer exists, visitors can see 13 galvanised wire sculptures of animals that commemorate the Tower Menagerie11. These sculptures, created by artist Kendra Haste, include a family of lions, a polar bear, an elephant, and a baboon troupe, displayed near where the original animals were kept11. |
| Fusiliers Museum | Learn about The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at the Fusiliers Museum7. The Fusiliers were based at the Tower for nearly 200 years, and the museum showcases their history and connection to the Tower. |
In addition to these key attractions, visitors can also explore the Tower Green, where executions took place, and the moat, which once served as a defensive barrier6. For those interested in delving deeper into the Tower’s history, the Imprisonment at the Tower exhibition offers a fascinating look at the lives of those held within its walls6.
Planning Your Visit
The Tower of London is open to the public, with varying opening times depending on the day and time of year12. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online to avoid potential queues8.
To make the most of your visit, consider downloading the audio guide, which provides information in multiple languages10. There are several audio tours available, including:
- Highlights Tour: This provides a general overview of the Tower’s history and key attractions.
- Tower’s Beginnings Tour: Uncover the earliest history of the Tower, exploring its Norman origins, Roman ruins, and the legend of the ravens13.
- Life at the Tower Tour: Hear from Yeoman Warders about what life is like at the Tower and discover the ancient ceremonies still performed today13.
You can also plan your itinerary using the Tower Itinerary Planner available on the Historic Royal Palaces website7. Don’t miss the “Tower of London Remembers” exhibit, a poignant commemoration of those who served in World War I14.
Research Conducted
The information for this article was gathered through a comprehensive research process. This included exploring the official website of the Tower of London, consulting the Tower’s Wikipedia page, examining historical documents and articles, reviewing tourist guides and visitor reviews, and gathering information about the different exhibits and attractions at the Tower of London.
Conclusion
A visit to the Tower of London is a journey through time, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. From the dazzling Crown Jewels to the legendary ravens, the Tower’s many attractions bring history to life. The Tower of London is not merely a historical site; it is a multifaceted destination that combines architectural grandeur, captivating stories, and a tangible connection to the past. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a family seeking an engaging day out, or someone intrigued by the British monarchy, the Tower of London offers a unique and enriching experience. Its enduring presence in London’s landscape and its captivating history make it a must-see destination for any visitor.
Works cited
- en.wikipedia.org, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_London
- History at the Tower – London – Historic Royal Palaces, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.hrp.org.uk/media/1171/tolhistory_v1.pdf
- Tower of London – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_London
- List of Records in the Tower of London – Archives Hub – Jisc, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb133-engms406
- Inside the Tower of London | Visitor’s Guide to Iconic Treasures, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.london-tickets.co.uk/tower-of-london/inside/
- What’s included in your ticket | Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-included-in-your-ticket/
- Tower of London Itinerary – Historic Royal Palaces, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/itineraries/
- Visit the Tower of London – Historic Royal Palaces, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/
- Tower of London Tours | Britain’s Best Guides, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://britainsbestguides.org/tour/tower-of-london/
- Yeoman Warder Tours of the Tower of London – Historic Royal Palaces, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/yeoman-warder-tours/
- The Tower of London Menagerie – Historic Royal Palaces, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/history-and-stories/the-tower-of-london-menagerie/
- Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/
- Audio guide tour | Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/audio-guide-tour/
- The Tower of London remembers – Historic Royal Palaces, accessed on December 21, 2024, https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/history-and-stories/tower-of-london-remembers/