Tower of London
About Tower of London
A historic royal fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the north bank of the Thames, home to the Crown Jewels, the legendary ravens and nearly a thousand years of history as palace, prison and stronghold.
History & Heritage
The Tower of London was founded by William the Conqueror around 1078, when he began building the great stone keep now known as the White Tower to dominate and defend his newly conquered city. Over the centuries successive monarchs expanded it into a formidable concentric fortress with two rings of defensive walls and a moat, serving at various times as a royal palace, armoury, treasury, menagerie and infamous prison.
Its walls have witnessed some of the darkest chapters of English history, including the imprisonment and execution of two of Henry VIII's queens and the mystery of the Princes in the Tower. Today it safeguards the Crown Jewels, guarded by the Yeoman Warders — the 'Beefeaters' — and the resident ravens, whose presence, legend says, protects the kingdom. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
What to Expect
Expect a full day of history within its ancient walls. The dazzling Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown and the world's largest cut diamonds, are the star attraction and can draw queues. Free tours led by the characterful Yeoman Warders bring the fortress's grisly stories to life. Explore the White Tower's royal armouries, walk the battlements, meet the ravens and see the site of the scaffold on Tower Green.
Known For
Highlights
- Crown Jewels display
- Beefeater tours
- The White Tower
- Medieval palace
- Resident ravens
- Ceremony of the Keys
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the Crown Jewels really kept at the Tower of London?
- Yes, the genuine Crown Jewels are on display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, protected under armed guard. They are still used in royal ceremonies today.
- Why are there ravens at the Tower of London?
- Legend holds that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall. At least six ravens are kept there at all times, cared for by the Ravenmaster.
- What is a Beefeater?
- Beefeaters are the Yeoman Warders, ceremonial guardians of the Tower. All are former senior members of the armed forces and they lead the popular guided tours.
More London Landmarks
Tower Bridge
The instantly recognisable Victorian bascule and suspension bridge over the Thames, famous for its twin Gothic towers, high-level glass walkways and a lifting roadway that still opens for tall ships.
Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
The iconic clock tower — officially the Elizabeth Tower — rising above the Palace of Westminster on the banks of the Thames, home to the UK Parliament and one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world.
Buckingham Palace
The London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch, famous for its balcony appearances, the Changing of the Guard ceremony and the opulent State Rooms opened to visitors each summer.