The Tower of London and River Thames (2021) by Richard Lea-HairHistoric Royal Palaces
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.
The White Tower, Tower of London in late autumn (2019) by Richard Lea-HairHistoric Royal Palaces
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.
The Salt Tower, Tower of London (2019) by Richard Lea-HairHistoric Royal Palaces
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.
Raven at the Tower of London (2017) by Simon JarrattHistoric Royal Palaces
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.
Detail of a stained-glass window showing the heraldry of King Henry VIII (1845) by Thomas Willement and James BrittainHistoric Royal Palaces
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.
Surviving part of The Crucifixion, known as 'The Byward Angel' (c1393-4)Historic Royal Palaces
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.
The Wakefield Tower and the Bloody Tower, Tower of London (2018) by Richard Lea-HairHistoric Royal Palaces
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.
The Princes in the Tower (c1831-99) by Unknown artist after an original painting by Hippolyte-Paul DelarocheHistoric Royal Palaces
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.
Tower of London (2021) by Richard Lea-HairHistoric Royal Palaces
We hope you enjoyed taking a little peek inside the Tower walls.
