The Tower of London

Landmark in
The Tower of London image
Address
Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB
Telephone
020 7709 0765
Category
Landmarks
Nearest Station
Tower Hill
0.15 miles

The Tower of London was built upon command of William the Conqueror in 1078. It was never completed in his lifetime and work continued under the watch of William II. The first sections of the tower to be completed were the White Tower and the Norman Church- which remains the oldest church in London today. Between the 11th and the 15th Century the Garrison was rebuilt and enlarged. The inner wall was constructed by order of King Henry VII and Edward I built Traitors Gate and the St. Thomas Tower. Located on the North bank of the River Thames- the Tower of London strikes a formidable presence over modern London. Now the home of the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London has had a varied and macabre past. Over the last ten centuries the tower has been a palace, a prison an arsenal and even a zoo. Free tours are run by the Yeoman Warders and among the exhibitions is an insight into the creation of Royal crowns, located in the Martin tower. The considerable dry moat that surrounds the tower is more than a kilometre in circumference and was created as a defence mechanism. Tower Bridge Underground station gives excellent access to the site from the city centre.

The Tower of London Picture Gallery

The Tower of London Picture

Best For

London's oldest attractions picture

London's oldest attractions

Something for the history-buffs...

Throughout its infamous history the Tower of London has been a fortress, prison, castle, zoo and in more recent times a tourist attraction and live music venue. Construction began towards the end of the 11th century, and the White Tower is what remains of this period, making it nearly 2000 years old. This was where Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII was beheaded, and where the Kray twins were detained after their arrest in 1952.

Things to Try

Discover the Crown Jewels picture

Discover the Crown Jewels

Get an eyeful of The Crown Jewels...
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Test your mettle on spooky Tower Twilight Tour picture

Test your mettle on spooky Tower Twilight Tour

OOooooOOOOoooohhhh
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