Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fort Tower of London are not only the most important group of buildings in Britain, but the most visited of the city's many tourist attractions.
In its long history - parts of it are over 1,000 years old - this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site has played many roles. It served as a fortress (besieged many times, not captured), as well as a royal palace; prison and place of execution; royal mint vault and treasures; An observatory and for five centuries, a private zoo.
Built by William the Conqueror to protect London and to keep an eye on the city's citizens, as well as boat traffic on the Thames, the original tower - the White Tower - was built around 1078. Today's tower complex covers about 18 acres. It consists of the outer wing, surrounded by a wall of six towers and two fortresses, and the inner, with its thirteen towers.
The tower was for a long time a place of confinement. Among the many prisoners were King David II of Scotland, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I), Sir Walter Raleigh, and William Penn.
Many famous people were also executed or murdered within its walls, including Henry VI, as well as two of Henry VIII's wives.
The last executions in the tower were carried out during the Second World War, when a number of spies were shot here. No wonder ghosts are famous for haunting their walls and dungeons!
To learn more about what is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in all of England, be sure to read our list of the top attractions in the Tower of London.
1. The White Tower and the Line of Kings
Located in the center of the inner pavilion, the White Tower was begun in 1078 and completed in 1078 and completed around 1100. The walls are up to 15 feet thick, and the building consists of small domes. corner towers. Added in the 17th century, the exterior was later restored by Christopher Wren.
Highlight the line of kings with its impressive displays of royal armor. Known as the oldest tourist attraction in the world - established in 1652 - this collection of weapons includes hunting and sporting weapons from the Middle Ages to the end of the nineteenth century, weapons and armor used in tournaments, as well as some weapons belonging to Henry VIII.
Look inside St John's Chapel, a well-preserved example of Norman church architecture dating back to 1080.
2. The Jewel House: Home of the Crown Jewels
The Jewel House has been home to the Crown Jewels since 1968. This unique collection includes the St. Edward's tiara made of solid gold still used in the coronations of British monarchs, as well as the Imperial State Crown.
Encrusted with more than 2,800 diamonds and other precious stones, it was made for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1837. It is still worn at the official opening of Parliament and on other special occasions.
Other items of interest include the golden anointing bowl and spoon, the only relics of the original emblems that survived the Civil War.
3. The Royal Mint
The Royal Mint - located here from 1279 to 1812 - is the centerpiece of the excellent Coin and Kings Fair.
Depicting the lives of the workers and the stories behind the coins they minted, the exhibit is on the site of the original mint and includes interactive displays and rare objects from the Royal Mint Museum.
4. The Medieval Palace
Recreating the quarters used by England's kings and queens during their frequent visits, Henry III and his son Edward I constructed a medieval palace while expanding the tower's defenses, and is famous for its opulence.
Prime examples include the magnificent St Thomas' Tower fireplace, Edward I's bedroom, Chantry Tower, and Lanthorne Tower with its collection of rare objects dating back to the 13th century.
5. The Bloody Tower
Many of the tower's darkest secrets were kept in the aptly named Bloody Tower - and some of the country's dirtiest deeds were done. Among her famous prisoners was Sir Walter Raleigh, whose cell remains as it was during his three imprisonments here (including a 13-year prison term).
The tower is named after the "Princes in the Tower" Edward and Richard, by their uncle King Richard III.
6. The Other Towers
Built during the reign of Edward I (1307), Middle Tower is one of the finest towers overlooking the site. It was only accessible once by two drawbridges. Above the main gate is a stone carving, often depicting the royal coat of arms.
Beyond the middle tower stands the Byward Tower, which contains guard rooms and entrance machines, which can still be seen in the upper rooms. In the Bell Tower, built by Richard I in 1190, you'll find Princess Elizabeth's Walk, the railing to Beauchamp Tower that Queen Elizabeth I walked on during her imprisonment here.
Although they are free to roam the grounds of the Tower of London, it is in the massive Wakefield Tower where the famous ravens are located. If you're lucky, you might catch a Beefeater feeding one of the seven crows that call the cuteness home.
The Tower of London was also once famous as the Royal Menagerie. There is a wonderful exhibit about these royal beasts in the Brick Tower.
7. Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula
The Royal Chapel of Saint Peter ad Vincula takes its name from the day of its consecration, the Festival of Saint Peter in Chains. Built around 1100, altered in the 13th century, rebuilt after a fire in 1512, it has been renovated and restored several times since then.
It is also notable as the place where many of those executed were buried in the Tower or at Tower Hill, including two of Henry VIII's executed wives. Sunday services include Eucharist at 9:15 a.m. and Matins, which are sung at 11 a.m.
8. Tower Green
Several executions were carried out in the Tower of London at Tower Green, which is now marked by a moving memorial on the site of the execution complex where convicted prisoners were beheaded. Execution within the tower, away from the crowds, was a privilege reserved for those in high rank or for those with strong popular support.
The most famous of those executed at or near the site are the three queens of England: Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII; Catherine Howard, Henry's fifth wife; and Lady Jane Gray, who was only sixteen years old.
On one side of Tower Green sits the Queen's House, the quaint half-timbered Tudor house where Anne Boleyn spent her last days before execution. It is also where Guy Fawkes' trial took place.
9. The Beefeaters and the Ceremony of the Keys
With the full titles of The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and members of the Sovereign's bodyguards from the exceptional Yeomen Guards, it's no wonder that they are best known by their nickname, Beefeaters.
Most of the ceremonial ceremonies of the day, these Yeomen guards, dressed in their distinctive uniform, guard the tower and serve as guides. All of them are retired senior non-commissioned officers who have served with distinction.
Among their duties is to close the ceremonial gates every evening. Known as the Ceremony of the Keys, this 700-year-old tradition has the chief guard present the keys to the tower to the resident ruler.
Special passes are required to view the concert and must be obtained in advance in writing (addressed, sealed envelope required and two dates you can attend). The party starts at night at 9:40 pm.
10. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum
This excellent museum depicts the history of the famous Royal Fusiliers Regiment, formed in 1685 by King James II from among the ranks of the Tower of London garrison. The first officer in the regiment was given the title Constable of the Tower (a position that still exists today), with his men's barracks at Waterloo block.
The museum is located in what was formerly the officers' quarters, a building housing the headquarters of the regiment and the officers' mess, still used for ceremonial occasions. Highlights include a set of 12 Victoria Crosses, the uniform of King George V (he was the former colonel-general of the regiment), and relics from the Napoleonic Wars.
Where to stay near the Tower of London
We recommend these stylish hotels a short distance from the Tower of London:
- South Place Hotel: Five-star luxury, warm hospitality and mood lighting, the South Place Hotel features spacious bathrooms in its elegant rooms. There is a Michelin-starred restaurant on site.
- Apex London Wall Hotel: This 4-star hotel offers guests welcome gifts, elegant décor and elegant Elemis toiletries.
- Hotel Indigo London Tower Hill: A great mid-range hotel, Hotel Indigo features four-poster beds, brick walls in the guest rooms, and a free minibar.
- Hub by Premier Inn Spitalfields, Brick Lane: This popular budget hotel offers great value and is eco-friendly. Guests appreciate its crisp white décor and free tea and coffee.
Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Tower of London
- Tours and Tickets: As this is the city's most popular attraction, ticket lines are inevitably long and slow. Skip the line and get priority entry with the Tower of London entry ticket including Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour. Vital tours conducted daily (every 30 minutes) by Yeoman Warders in the tower provide the scoop on everything from Henry VIII's wives to executions and ceremonies. The last tour is 2:30 pm (winter), 3:30 pm (summer), and is included in the admission price.
- Closures: Parts of the tower are often used for ceremonies and events, including the Royal Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula. To ensure that the closures do not affect your visit, check here in advance of your trip.
- Timing: Allow at least three hours to see everything. Try to avoid busy times like school holidays, when classes can be long.
- Getting to the Tower of London: Bus lines 15, 42, 78, 100 and RV1, as well as the County and Circle Underground lines (Tower Hill station) all serve Tower Hill. River boats to Tower Pier depart from Charing Cross, Greenwich, and Westminster; Thames Clippers rafts depart every 20 minutes from London Bridge Pier and Tower Pier.
Source: PlanetWare - Travel Guides by the Experts