The Tower of London: Fortress, Palace, Prison, Jewel House

Tower of London: 900+ Years of History

The Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.

Founding & Roles

• 1078: William the Conqueror begins White Tower (Norman keep).
• Functions: Royal residence, prison (high-status), execution site, armory, mint, menagerie, treasury, record office.
• Crown Jewels: Housed here since 1303 (public display since 1661).

Famous Prisoners & Executions

• Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, Thomas More, Walter Raleigh, Rudolf Hess (last, 1941).
• Executions on Tower Green (7) or Tower Hill (public).

Iconic Elements

• Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters): Ceremonial guards since 1485; give tours.
• Ravens: Legend: "If ravens leave, Tower/Kingdom falls." 6+ kept, wings clipped.
• White Tower: 27.5 m high, 4 m walls. Houses Royal Armouries.

Visiting

Open daily. Book online. Allow 3+ hours. UNESCO World Heritage Site.