Tower of London: reviews, price and practical tips

Visiting the Tower of London

Despite its name, the Tower of London is not a single spire but a massive fortress complex located on the north bank of the Thames, right next to Tower Bridge.

A history of confinement

The site was established by William the Conqueror in 1080 to defend against outside threats and assert his authority. Over time, two concentric walls, bastions, and moats were added to create a true fortification. It has served as a royal residence, a mint, a menagerie, an observatory, a treasury, and, eventually, a state prison that remained in use until World War II. Countless monarchs, aristocrats, and clergy members were held and interrogated within these walls.

Exploring the grounds

Spanning 12 acres, the Tower of London is actually a collection of various towers and historical sites.

• The White Tower: Once a royal residence and later a prison, the White Tower is the oldest central structure that gave the fortification its name.
• The Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula: This Norman chapel is the final resting place of several famous prisoners. Today, the community of about 100 people who live within the Tower still worship here daily.
• The Salt Tower, Beauchamp Tower, and Bloody Tower: These were all used as prisons for high-profile political figures, including royals and writers.
• The Crown Jewels: Housed in the former Waterloo Barracks, this collection includes the crowns, swords, and scepters that represent the wealth and history of the monarchy.
• The Tower Green: This site marks the location of official executions, including those of three English queens: Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII; Catherine Howard, his fifth wife; and Lady Jane Grey, a grand-niece of King Henry VIII.
• The Medieval Palace: A look into the more comfortable side of royal life, featuring well-preserved furniture that highlights the opulence of the era.

The Yeomen Warders

Dressed in distinctive red and black uniforms, the Yeomen Warders serve as the ceremonial guardians of the royal family. They are often called beefeaters, a nickname likely originating from the generous meat rations they were granted during the Middle Ages. These former military veterans now live within the Tower of London with their families and serve as our primary guides. One of them, the Ravenmaster, is specifically tasked with caring for the six ravens that live in the fortress. Legend holds that if these ravens ever leave the Tower, the Kingdom will fall. To ensure they stay, their flight feathers are kept trimmed.