Who Used the Tower of London Throughout History?

The Tower of London, founded by William the Conqueror c. 1078, has served a staggering array of functions over nine centuries.

1. Royal Residence

• White Tower housed kings/queens (Henry III, Edward I) until Tudor era.
• Luxurious apartments, chapel, great hall.

2. Prison (Especially High-Profile)

• Sir Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, Sir Walter Raleigh, Rudolf Hess (1941).
• "Princes in the Tower" (Edward V & Richard, 1483) – disappeared, likely murdered.

3. Royal Menagerie (1200s–1835)

• Lions, leopards, polar bear (fished in Thames), elephant, kangaroos.
• Moved to London Zoo (Regent's Park) in 1830s.

4. Execution Site

• Tower Green (private): Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, Margaret Pole.
• Tower Hill (public): Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Duke of Monmouth.

5. Armory & Military Store

• Weapons, armor, artillery for London's defense.
• Royal Armouries collection now in Leeds; White Tower displays remain.

6. Treasury & Crown Jewels

• Crown Jewels displayed since 1660s (after Restoration).
• Gold/silver plate, coronation regalia.

7. Royal Mint (1279–1810)

• Coin production within walls; "Trial of the Pyx" quality test continues today.

8. Tourist Attraction (Since 19th C.)

• 2.5M+ visitors/year; Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), ravens, Ceremony of Keys.

From fortress to palace to prison to museum—the Tower is a microcosm of English history.