Tower of London: reviews, price and practical tips

Visiting the Tower of London

Contrary to what its name suggests, the Tower of London is not a single tower, but a massive fortress located on the north bank of the River Thames, right next to Tower Bridge.

A terrifying prison

It was built by William the Conqueror, who started construction in 1080 to protect against outside attacks and project his power. Over the centuries, two concentric walls, bastions, and moats were added to turn it into a true fortress. It served alternately as a royal residence, a royal mint, a menagerie, an observatory, a treasury, and finally as a state prison up until World War II. Countless figures, from monarchs and aristocrats to priests, were imprisoned and tortured here.

A surprising visit

Spread across 5 hectares, the Tower of London actually consists of several distinct sites and towers.

• The White Tower: once a royal residence and later a prison, the White Tower is the oldest central part of the complex that gave the fortification its name.
• The chapel of St Peter ad Vincula: a Norman chapel that holds the remains of the most famous prisoners. Today, the hundred or so people who live within the tower walls still come here for daily prayers.
• The Salt Tower, the Beauchamp Tower, and the Bloody Tower are all former prisons where high-profile figures, including kings and writers, were locked away.
• The Crown Jewels: displayed in the former Waterloo Barracks, this collection showcases the crowns, swords, and scepters that built the fame and fortune of the British monarchy.
• The Tower Green: a site dedicated to official executions, including those of three queens of England: Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII; Catherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII; and Lady Jane Grey, great-niece of King Henry VIII.
• The Medieval Palace: a comfortable royal residence featuring well-preserved furniture that reflects the luxury and opulence of the era.

Don't forget the Yeomen Warders

Dressed in distinctive red and black uniforms, the Yeomen Warders form the close protection guard of the royal family. They are commonly nicknamed beefeaters, a nod to the generous meat rations they were permitted back in the Middle Ages. As former veterans of the British military, they live with their families right inside the Tower of London. Today, they serve as the primary guides for visitors. Note that one of them is specifically tasked with caring for the six ravens that live in the medieval fortress. It is a massive responsibility, as legend holds that if these ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall to ruin. For safety, the ravens' wings are clipped.