The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It has served as a royal palace, a prison, an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, a public records office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London and a World Heritage Site.
History of the Tower of London
The Tower of London has a long and varied history, having been built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. The castle was used as a royal residence, a fortress, a prison, and a place of execution. It was also used to store the Crown Jewels of England, which have been kept there since the 14th century.
The Tower of London has seen many changes over the centuries. It has been the site of several sieges, and was the last fortress to be taken by the forces of Charles I in 1666. It was also the site of the execution of Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s wives, in 1536.
The Tower of London was also the site of several notable escapes. In 1240, Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, escaped from the Tower by lowering himself down the walls with a rope. In 1597, the Earl of Essex and his co-conspirators were able to escape the Tower by bribing the guards. In 1671, a group of Quakers were able to escape the Tower by pretending to be visitors.
Architecture of the Tower of London
The Tower of London is an impressive and imposing structure, with a complex layout and many different levels. It is made up of several towers, walls, and gates, as well as a moat and a drawbridge. The most famous tower is the White Tower, which was built in 1078 and is now home to the Crown Jewels.
The Tower of London is surrounded by two concentric rings of fortifications. The inner ring is made up of thirteen towers, while the outer ring is made up of twenty towers. There are also several gates, including the Byward Tower, the Middle Tower, and the Bloody Tower.
The Crown Jewels of England
The Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels of England, which have been kept there since the 14th century. The jewels include the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Sceptre, the Royal Orb, the Coronation Ring, and the Crown of Queen Elizabeth II. The jewels are a symbol of the power and authority of the British monarchy.
Opening Hours and Admission
The Tower of London is open to visitors every day except for December 24th and 25th. Admission is free for members of Historic Royal Palaces, while other visitors will need to purchase tickets. Prices vary depending on the time of year and the type of ticket purchased.
Interesting Facts about the Tower of London
- The Tower of London is guarded by the famous Yeoman Warders, or “Beefeaters”, who have been guarding the Tower since the 16th century.
- The Tower of London is home to the Ravens of the Tower, a group of seven ravens that are believed to protect the Tower and the Crown.
- The Tower of London is said to be haunted by the Ghost of Anne Boleyn, who was executed in the Tower in 1536.
The Tower of London is an iconic landmark and an important part of London’s history. It has served many different purposes over the centuries, and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Whether you’re looking to explore the history of the Tower or just take in the stunning architecture, the Tower of London is a must-see destination.