Tower of London: History, Secrets & Must-See Sites

The Tower of London is not just any ordinary old castle. This is a place that is filled with history, mystery and even ghost stories! From its violent history to its current prosperity, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for history buffs, adventure travelers and those interested in fascinating stories.

So then, why is the Tower of London so interesting? Let’s explore and find out!

Table of Contents

A nighttime view of the Tower of London with golden lights reflecting on the River Thames — The Tower of London illuminated at night, reflecting on the River Thames.

Brief history of the Tower of London

The Tower of London has stood tall for approximately 1,000 years. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has served as a royal palace, prison, arsenal, treasury, and even a zoo!

Important historical facts:

11th century: Built to confirm Norman control over England.

12th-16th centuries: It becomes a royal residence and later a notorious prison

1536: Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn was hanged here.

1600s: It served as a fort and a coin mint.

1800s: Converted into tourist attraction.

Today: Home of the Crown Jewels and Famous Beefeaters.

The tower has seen kings, traitors and even crows pass through its gates. If we talk about crows..

A detailed view of a clock tower on the Tower of London’s stone structure. — Close-up of a clock tower within the Tower of London

The Tale of the Crows

One of the strangest legends about the Tower of London is related to the crows that live there. According to the folktale, “If the crows leave the tower, the kingdom will fall.”

To prevent disaster, at least six ravens are always kept in the tower, with their own Ravenmaster to look after them. To make sure they stay stable, their wings are clipped!

Fun Fact: Each crow has a name and its own personality!

Notorious prison and execution

The Tower of London is considered to be one of the most infamous prisons in British history. Many famous (and unfortunate) people spent their last days here.

Famous prisoners:

Anne Boleyn – hanged for treason in 1536.

Lady Jane Gray – Queen of the Nine Days was beheaded in 1554.

Princes in the Tower – two young princes disappeared mysteriously

It is said that some unfortunate spirits reside in the Bloody Tower.

The Tower of London seen during the day, showcasing its medieval stone walls and historic architecture. — A daytime view of the Tower of London with its massive stone walls.

Sightseeing at the Tower of London

There is a lot of things to see in the tower! Here are some of the major sights that you must visit:

1. The Crown Jewels

Do you want to see some serious decor? The Crown Jewels are housed in the Jewel House and include the Imperial State Crown and Sovereign Sceptre

2. The White Tower

The oldest part of the castle, built in 1078. Inside, you can find historical armour, including the colossal armor of Henry VIII!

3. Medieval Castle

Go back in time and experience what royal life was like in the 13th century.

4. Bloody Tower

This is the place where the princes were last seen in the tower. Many tourists claim to feel a scary presence here.

5. Beefeaters

These guards have been protecting this tower for centuries. Go on a guided tour with them – they have wonderful stories to tell!

6. Tower Green and Scaffold Site

This site is the location of several famous executions, including those of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey

7. Tower Moat and Traitor Gate

This moat, which was once filled with water, was part of the Tower’s defences. Traitor Gate was a notorious entrance for prisoners arriving by boat.

The outer walls of the Tower of London, with medieval stone towers and a group of visitors walking along the cobbled courtyard. — Visitors stroll through the historic grounds of the Tower of London, surrounded by its medieval stone walls.

Interesting facts about the Tower of London

The tower was used as a royal zoo, housing lions, elephants and even a polar bear that was allowed to fish in the River Thames!

It is one of the most haunted places in England, with reports of sightings of the ghosts of Anne Boleyn and others.

Every year more than 2.5 million tourists visit this tower.

The White Tower, a large Norman stone keep at the Tower of London, standing tall against a blue sky with visitors exploring the area. — The imposing White Tower, the heart of the Tower of London, stands as a symbol of England’s medieval history.

Tips for visiting the Tower of London

Arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially for the Crown Jewels.

Wear comfortable shoes – there will be a lot of walking on the rocks.

Join the Beefeater Tour – it’s free with your ticket and full of interesting stories.

Be careful of crows – they’re a lot more entertaining than you might expect!

Last thoughts

The Tower of London is more than a historic site; It is a place full of mysteries, legends and amazing artifacts. Whether you come here for the history, the ghost stories or just the grandeur, this tower will leave you spellbound.

So, if you are planning a trip to London, make sure this medieval masterpiece is on your list!