History

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

It was founded as part of the Norman Conquest of England towards the end of 1066.

William the Conqueror built a mighty stone tower at the centre of his fortress in 1078.

The royal castle is known as The White Tower and was a resented symbol of brutality.

In the 1200s, the Tower was expanded by King Henry III and Edward I.

It was a royal residence until the 17th century, housing the Royal Menagerie (The Lion Tower) from the 13th century to 1834. The

Tower serves as a royal palace, armoury, prison, and zoo. Today, it is still home to her Majesty’s Crown Jewels.

Crown Jewels

The Tower of London is open for visitors to explore the royal life of Kings and Queens and the British heritage.

The dark secrets of the famous fortress attract sightseers from all over the world.

Tower of Strength

Until the 1800s, when the Tower served as a royal residence, Kings and Queens used the Tower of London in times of trouble to protect their possessions and store Armour. Coins of the Realm were made at the Tower until 1810. Even today, a garrison of soldiers protects the Crown Jewels. The Tower of London is also known as the Tower of Strength.

Royal Beasts

A menagerie of wild and exotic animals was kept in the Tower for over 600 years. It included everything from elephants to ostriches, lions, and polar bears; they were held in the confines of the White Tower.

The Tower of London’s Guards

The Royal Bodyguards of the Tower of London are Yeoman Warders and Yeomen Beefeaters.

They were given this name due to being allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted from the King’s table.

The Beefeaters are tasked with protecting the jewels and acting as tour guides for visitors.

The Royal Mint

Visitors can explore the Coins and Kings exhibition, which portrays the story of the Royal Mint.

At the Tower of London between 1279 to 1812. You can also gain some insights into the life of Kings and Queens through the outdoor interactive displays and fun facts about Issac Newton and more.

The Tower’s Ravens

The Tower of London is also famous for its Ravens.

No visit to the Tower would be the same without saying hello to them.

The Ravens have been residents at the Tower since the 1600s.

Legend has it that there must be at least six Ravens at the Tower to avoid disaster befalling the nation.

The Tower of London is just one of the attractions covered by the London Pass.

It is a fantastic way of saving money if you visit more than one of London’s attractions in a day.