The Tower of London is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. It beckons visitors with its rich history and royal treasures. Built nearly a thousand years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage site has stood for over 900 years and has played a significant role in the country’s history.
The Tower has served as a royal palace, a prison, a treasury, a menagerie, and even a place of execution. Visitors can explore the Tower’s storied past, see the famous ravens, and witness the famous Yeoman Warder tours.

The London attraction offers a range of experiences, from viewing the Crown Jewels exhibition to exploring the Medieval Palace and walking the ancient stone walls. Booking tickets in advance can help avoid queues and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
For an enhanced experience, we suggest timing your visit with the lifting of Tower Bridge, visible from the Tower grounds. This unique spectacle adds an extra layer of excitement to your tour. Since the bridge is next to the Tower, we visited both on the same day.
Tower Of London History
The Tower’s history encompasses Norman conquest, medieval intrigue, notorious imprisonments, and the safeguarding of priceless royal treasures.
While the original structure was a simple timber fortification, I have enjoyed many visits to the stone replacement, built over the course of several centuries.
Norman Conquest And Early History
William the Conqueror built the White Tower in the 1070s as a formidable stone fortress. This central keep served as the heart of the castle complex. Today, it houses the armory which we thoroughly enjoyed exploring.
Medieval Use And Royal Residence
During the Middle Ages, the Tower served multiple functions. It was a royal palace, fortress, and storehouse for weapons and treasure. It also served as a royal menagerie, housing lions, tigers, and elephants.
Many English monarchs used the Tower as a residence, particularly before their coronations. The royal apartments offered comfort and security within the fortress walls.
The Tower also housed government offices, and royal mint. Its role as an administrative center underscored its importance to the crown.
Prison And Executions
The Tower gained notoriety as a prison for high-profile captives. Political prisoners, deposed royals, and accused traitors found themselves confined within its walls.
Some famous prisoners included Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, and the young Princes Edward and Richard. The term “sent to the Tower” became synonymous with imprisonment.
Another notable prisoner was Sir Walter Raleigh, who was imprisoned for 13 years and eventually executed in 1618.
Public executions took place on Tower Hill, just outside the fortress. Beheadings of nobility occurred within the Tower grounds. Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were among those executed inside the Tower walls.
By visiting, we experienced its rich history firsthand. We saw some of the torture devices used on its prisoners. The scavenger’s daughter device was quite horrific.
The Crown Jewels And Regalia
Since the 14th century, the Tower has safeguarded the Crown Jewels. These priceless treasures include crowns, scepters, and other royal regalia used in coronation ceremonies.
This incredible collection gathers the largest crowds, and we had to queue for around 40 minutes to view it.
The impressive grouping has over 140 items containing over 23,000 precious gems. Cullinan and Cullinan II diamonds are the most famous, cut from a massive 3,106 carat Cullinan Diamond.
Visitors can view the Crown Jewels on display in the Jewel House. The collection includes the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross, featuring the Cullinan I diamond.
The Jewel House is open to visitors throughout the day, but due to its popularity, it’s best to arrive early or book a timed ticket in advance. Do note that photography is not allowed inside the Jewel House.
Architecture And Structures
The Tower of London’s architecture reflects its long history as a fortress, palace, and prison. Its structures span centuries of architectural styles and defensive innovations.
The White Tower
The White Tower stands as the centerpiece of the Tower complex. Built around 1078, it’s a prime example of Norman architecture. Its imposing 90-foot height dominates the skyline and provided protection for London.
The tower’s thick walls, up to 15 feet in some places, showcase its defensive purpose. Inside, we thought the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, exemplified Romanesque architecture.
The White Tower’s exterior, once whitewashed, gave the entire complex its name. Today, it houses a few museums, including the Royal Armories collection, and Line of Kings. I particularly liked the horse armor and couldn’t imagine horses wearing such heavy equipment.
The Line of Kings was created in the 17th century and is one of the oldest museum exhibits. When you visit the Line of Kings, bear in mind tourists have visited this exhibit for over 350 years.
Inner And Outer Wards
The Tower complex is divided into inner and outer wards, each with distinct features. The inner ward, surrounded by a curtain wall, contains 13 towers built between 1190 and 1285.
Notable structures in the inner ward include:
- Wakefield Tower
- Lanthorn Tower
- Bloody Tower
The outer ward, added by Edward I, provides an extra layer of defense. Here we saw the famous Traitors’ Gate, where prisoners entered by boat from the Thames.
The Middle Tower and Byward Tower guard the outer ward’s entrance, demonstrating medieval military architecture.
Chapels And Towers
Several chapels and towers within the complex serve unique purposes. The Royal Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, built in 1520, is the burial place for famous Tower prisoners.
The Beauchamp Tower, known for its prisoner graffiti, offers insight into the lives of past inmates. We saw these intricate carvings left by prisoners over centuries.
The iconic Tower Bridge, while not part of the Tower complex, compliments its medieval architecture with Victorian Gothic style. Together, they created London’s most recognizable landmark.
The Tower As A Fortress
This venue served as a formidable fortress, housing military supplies and securing valuable assets. Its robust defenses and strategic location made it a crucial stronghold for the monarchy.
Military Arsenal
The thick stone walls and imposing towers provide evidence of its defensive capabilities. We explored many of the walls on a self-guided tour.
Weapons and armor were stored within the fortress, ready for use in times of conflict. Cannons lined the walls, providing a deterrent to potential attackers. The Tower’s strategic position overlooking the River Thames allowed for control of maritime traffic.
Mint And Record Keeping
Beyond its military role, the stronghold housed the Royal Mint for centuries. It produced coins, ensuring a steady supply of currency for the realm.
The fortress also served as a repository for important state documents. Records and legal papers were kept secure within its walls.
The Tower’s mint operated until 1810, producing coins used throughout the kingdom. However, its record-keeping function continued well into the modern era.
Ceremonies And Traditions
The Tower of London maintains several long-standing ceremonies and traditions that captivate visitors.
The Yeoman Warders
Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, play a crucial role in Tower traditions. These ceremonial guardians, clad in distinctive Tudor uniforms, conduct guided tours and share fascinating stories about the Tower’s past.
Yeoman Warders must have at least 22 years of military service and hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal. Their duties include guarding the Crown Jewels and participating in various ceremonies.
We can witness their colorful presence throughout the Tower grounds, where they provide valuable insights into the fortress’s history and legends.
The fortress continues a traditional ritual that’s a secret to most Londoners and visitors.
The Ceremony Of The Keys
The Ceremony of the Keys is one of the Tower’s most ancient and revered traditions. This nightly ritual involves locking the Tower’s main gates, ensuring the security of the fortress.
At precisely 9:53 PM, the Chief Yeoman Warder emerges from the Byward Tower carrying the King’s Keys and a lantern. Accompanied by an escort, he proceeds to lock the gates.
The ceremony includes a brief exchange with a sentry and the playing of “The Last Post” on a bugle. This 700-year-old tradition concludes at 10:05 PM, marking the official closing of the Tower for the night.
Ravens Of The Tower
The presence of ravens is steeped in legend and superstition. It is said that Charles II was the first to keep ravens, and if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall.
So, the Tower maintains at least six ravens on the grounds at all times. These intelligent birds are cared for by the Ravenmaster, a dedicated Yeoman Warder.
Each raven has one wing clipped to discourage flight, ensuring they remain within the Tower’s walls. We saw these magnificent birds and was shocked by their size.
The current Ravenmaster is Michael ‘Barney’ Chandler. He oversees their breeding program, and often gives talks and tours to visitors.
Visiting Tower Of London
Expect to spend three to four hours touring its exhibits. Tower Hill station provides the closest access to the castle when traveling by London’s underground.
Opening Times And Tickets
This London landmark is open year-round, with seasonal variations in hours. During summer months, it typically opens from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, while winter hours are slightly shorter.
Standard adult tickets cost GBP 33.60 as of 2024. Children, seniors, and students enjoy discounted rates.
Guided Tours And Exhibitions
The iconic Yeoman Warder tours are included in the admission price. These entertaining and informative tours depart every 30 minutes from the main entrance. However, we chose to do the self-guided tour and found the signage very informative.
Don’t miss the Crown Jewels exhibition, showcasing the royal collection of regalia and jewels. The White Tower, housing the Royal Armories collection, offers insights into medieval warfare and royal power.
Special exhibitions change periodically. Visitors could enjoy a variety of events and reenactments, from medieval jousting tournaments to interactive workshops for children.
These events are a great way to experience the Tower’s history and culture in a fun and engaging way. Although, events are the busiest days at the Tower.
Tips For Visitors
We suggest allowing sufficient time to fully explore the Tower’s attractions. Consider visiting on a weekday or early morning to avoid peak crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes as there’s considerable walking on uneven surfaces.
The Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula is a must-see. Check its opening times, as they may differ from the main Tower hours.
Bring a camera, but note that photography is prohibited in some areas, including the Crown Jewels exhibition.
For those with mobility issues, some areas may be challenging to access. Wheelchair users and their companions receive discounted entry.
Tower Of London In Modern Times
Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a popular tourist attraction. We’ve explored its rich history several times while marveling at its well-preserved architecture.
We can still witness the ancient Ceremony of the Keys, where the Tower is locked up each night. This centuries-old tradition continues to captivate visitors.
Like many of London’s iconic structures, the Tower of London remains an integral part of the city’s landscape. Through tours and interactive exhibits, we found it seamlessly combined its history with modern times. It continues to evolve while preserving its timeless allure.