THE TOWER OF LONDON

Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7 and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, today the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.

The Tower of London is one of the world's major tourist attractions; today, over 2.5 million visitors a year come to discover its long and eventful history, its buildings, ceremonies and traditions, and to get a glimpse of the world famous Crown Jewels. 

The White Tower

The first stones of this imposing structure, designed to dominate and protect the capital, were laid around 1080 by order of William the Conqueror. Its mighty walls are now home to displays from the Royal Armouries collection, telling the story of the building, as well as of arms and armour at The Tower.

Inside the galleries you can see original armours worn by Henry VIII and Charles I, plus a reconstructed display of the massive collection of arms once housed in the Grand Storehouse. You can also visit the 'Spanish Armoury' which features The Tower's historic instruments of torture, including the infamous block and axe.

 CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

The Tower of London tour guides are the Yeoman Warders who live at the Tower. They are better known as Beefeaters, which we think comes from when their job was to taste the king's food to check it wasn't poisoned. 

 The Ravens are one of the 'must sees' for a trip to the Tower of London. Legend says that if the ravens ever leave then the monarchy will fall, the White Tower at The Tower of London will crumble and a great disaster will befall England. Ever superstitious, we don't take any chances and Ravens have lived at the Tower since Charles II was told this tale. They are even protected by a royal decree.

THE DRAGON THAT GUARDS THE TOWER