Tower of London is one of England’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for any visitor to the country. With its rich history dating back to the 11th century, there is plenty to see and learn at this world-famous attraction.
From the Crown Jewels to the Yeoman Warders, there is something for everyone at the Tower of London. So if you’re planning a trip to England, make sure you add the Tower of London to your program!
History of the Tower of London
The Tower of London has a storied history dating back to the 11th century. It was first built by King William as a fortification against possible invasions from the south. Originally a wooden structure, it was later rebuilt in stone and the main part of the complex, the White Tower, was completed at the end of the 11th century.
It became known as the White Tower in the 12th century because of its whitewashed exterior. The tower was used as a royal palace, prison, execution site, zoo and mint. Today it is a museum open to the public.
Why is the Tower of London famous for?
The Tower of London has been used for various purposes throughout its history. It served as a royal palace that housed important personalities such as Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I.
It has also been used as a prison for famous prisoners such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Anne Boleyn’s husband +Lord Henry VIII. The tower is also infamous as a place of execution; Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes and Margaret Pole were among those executed here.
What to See at the Tower of London
Visiting the Tower of London is a good option for any first-time visitor to London. Here is a list of attractions and important things to see when you come to the Tower of London.
The Crown Jewels of England
The tower is home to the world-famous Crown Jewels – precious stones set in gold and silver. These stunning jewels are displayed in the Jewel House, where you can watch a live demonstration of how they are cleaned and cared for.
The collection includes the iconic Imperial State Crown worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation, as well as the scepter and orb used by kings and queens over the centuries.
What are the Crown Jewels worth?
The Crown Jewels in Tower of London are some of the most valuable objects in the world. They are worth an estimated $3.5 billion. The Crown Jewels value comes from their history, age, and rarity.
The Crown Jewels have been owned by British royalty for centuries and have been worn by many famous kings and queens. They are made of gold, silver, diamonds, and other precious stones. So this collection is one of the most valuable in the world.
Can the Queen sell her Crown Jewels?
While the Queen does own the jewels, she is not allowed to sell them. The Crown Jewels are considered to be part of the national heritage of England and are protected by law.
Tower of London Ravens
The Tower is also home to six ravens, considered by many to be good luck. You can see them strutting around the grounds – just make sure you don’t get too close! These big, black birds are said by many to ward off evil spirits. All 6 ravens have names. The ravens are looked after by Yeoman Warders and even have their own Ravenmaster.
Why does the Tower of London have 6 ravens?
The Tower of London has been home to ravens since the time of King Charles II. The legend goes that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the White Tower will crumble and a great disaster will befall England. There are currently six ravens living at the Tower, and they are all descendants of the original ravens brought there by Charles II.
Yeoman Warders
Tower of London has been home to many famous people over the years, including notorious prisoners. But there are other, less well-known residents: Yeoman Warders. Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters) are responsible for guarding the tower.
Yeoman Warders are members of the ceremonial guard of the Tower of London. They have been guarding the Tower since the 14th century and their duties include leading tours, looking after the Crown Jewels and taking part in ceremonies such as the changing of the guard.
Who lives in the Tower of London now?
All Yeoman Warders must have at least 22 years of military service and have been awarded certain medals. They live with their families in apartments in the complex.
Roman Wall of Londinium
Londinium was an important settlement in Roman times and its defensive walls were an important part of its fortification. Londinium’s Roman wall ran along the perimeter of the city. The wall was made of brick and stone and was about six feet thick.
There were also towers placed at intervals along the wall, which were used as lookout points and for archers to defend the city. Today, Londinium’s Roman wall is one of the best preserved Roman remains in Britain.
The Fusilier Museum
The Fusilier Museum is located in the Tower of London and is dedicated to the history of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, documents and memorabilia relating to the regiment’s history, including its role in the English Civil War, the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.
How long does it take to go around the Tower of London?
A visit to the Tower of London typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the castle grounds and exhibits.
Tower of London opening times
The Tower of London is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entry at 4:30 pm. Since the hours may vary on Saturdays and Sundays, it is useful to check the official website before you go. When purchasing Tower of London tickets,
Is visiting Tower of London free?
If you go at the right time of year, you can take advantage of some special events that offer better admission. Additionally, there are a number of discounts and deals available if you know where to look.
There are a number of ways to get Tower of London tickets discounted or even free entry into the Tower of London. Seniors, students, and children under 16 can all get reduced rates.
Additionally, many tourist attractions in London offer combo tickets that include the Tower of London – so if you’re already planning on seeing other attractions, this could be a great way to save money. I recommend you to look for combo tickets with events such as Tower Bridge, The Shard, London Eye, Kew Gardens and Palace, Queen’s Gallery.
What’s the best time to visit the Tower of London?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the Tower of London is a popular attraction throughout the year. However, there are certain times when the tower is particularly busy, such as during school holidays.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it is advisable to visit on weekdays or early in the morning. Another factor to consider is the weather, the tower can be quite cold and windy during the winter months, so if you don’t like cold weather, spring or summer might be better times to visit.
Is visiting Tower of London worth it?
Yes, visiting the Tower of London is definitely worth it! The Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in England and for good reason, it’s super interesting and there’s so much to see and do. Here are some not to miss on your visit to the Tower of London.
- The best way to see the Tower of London is to join one of the free guided tours that depart regularly from the Yeoman Warder ticket office. These tours last about a minute and are led by former soldiers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of this historic site.
- See the Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels are housed at the Tower and are definitely worth seeing – they’re absolutely stunning!
- Learn about executions that took place at the Tower. Throughout history, many people were executed at the Tower, including some famous figures like Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. You can learn all about these executions and see where they took place when you visit.
- Climb up to the top of one of the towers for some amazing views. There are four main towers that you can climb, make sure to pick a clear day so you can really take in the views.
Where is Tower of London and how to get there?
The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Due to its central location, the museum is easily accessible on foot from many places. However, if you are in a more remote area, you can also get very close to the Tower of London by tram or bus. Tower Hill or Tower of London stops are nearby.
