Walk in the footsteps of kings, queens, and infamous prisoners at the Tower of London
In collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces
Fortress, Palace, Prison
Did You Know...
The Tower of London has had three different uses over time
A London icon
The Tower has had many different functions over the years. As a fortress guarding the Thames, a royal palace and a fearsome prison.
In this story we introduce these three key uses of the Tower.
Fortress
Did you know that the oldest military ceremony in the world, the Ceremony of The Keys, takes place at at the Tower every evening at 9:53pm? This historic fortress was built by William the Conqueror as a stronghold in the City of London.
A defensible design
The Tower of London was the most secure castle in the land and guarded royal possessions and even the royal family in times of war and rebellion.
Roaming Ravens
King Charles II said there must always be six resident ravens. Legend has it the kingdom and the Tower of London will fall if the resident ravens leave the fortress.
Palace
There was once a splendid royal palace to the south of the White Tower. Henry VIII even modernised the rooms inside in preparation for the coronation of his new bride, Anne Boleyn in 1533.
London's secret angel
The Byward Tower is home to one of London's most precious artworks that features the archangel Michael. In the centre you can see a chimney breast painted with a Tudor Rose has been built over the medieval mural.
Prison
Although the Tower was not built as a prison, hundreds of people have been incarcerated inside its walls. Some of the most well known are best remembered in the Bloody Tower.
A historic mystery....
The Bloody Tower is named for its popular association with the disappearance of 12-year-old Edward V and his younger brother Richard. Their fate remains a mystery to this day.
We hope you enjoyed taking a little peek inside the Tower walls.