Latest Visits
Countries
Regions
Years
Categories
Search

Tower of London

London, England
30.10.2008

Tower von London, also known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle located in the heart of London, England. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the city, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Built in the 11th century, the Tower von London has a rich and fascinating history. Originally constructed by William the Conqueror as a fortress to protect the city, it has served various purposes throughout the years, including a royal palace, a prison, an armory, and a treasury.

Today, the Tower von London is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to numerous exhibitions and displays that showcase its eventful past. One of the most famous attractions is the Crown Jewels, a collection of dazzling royal regalia including crowns, swords, and scepters used in coronations and other important ceremonies.

Visitors can also explore the various towers and buildings within the castle walls, such as the White Tower, which houses the Royal Armories collection, and the Medieval Palace, where visitors can experience what life was like for the royals and their servants in the 13th century.

But the Tower von London is not just a museum, it also has a dark and intriguing side. Throughout its history, the castle has been the site of imprisonment, torture, and execution, earning it a reputation as one of the most haunted places in England. The Yeoman Warders, also known as the Beefeaters, who guard the Tower, are happy to share spine-chilling tales of the castle's past.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Tower von London also offers stunning views of the River Thames and the city skyline. Visitors can stroll along the walls and take in the breathtaking scenery while learning about the strategic importance of the castle in London's defense.

Whether you are a history buff, a royal enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in London, the Tower von London is a must-visit destination. With its fascinating past, stunning architecture, and captivating exhibits, it truly embodies the rich and diverse history of England.


The massive White Tower is a typical example of Norman military architecture, whose influence was felt throughout the kingdom. It was built on the Thames by William the Conqueror to protect London and assert his power. The Tower of London – an imposing fortress with many layers of history, which has become one of the symbols of royalty – was built around the White Tower.

The Tower of London, officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which is separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded toward the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new Norman ruling class. The castle was also used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard) until 1952 (Kray twins), although that was not its primary purpose. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The general layout established by the late 13th century remains despite later activity on the site.

The Tower of London has played a prominent role in English history. It was besieged several times, and controlling it has been important to controlling the country. The Tower has served variously as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. From the early 14th century until the reign of Charles II in the 17th century, a procession would be led from the Tower to Westminster Abbey on the coronation of a monarch. In the absence of the monarch, the Constable of the Tower is in charge of the castle. This was a powerful and trusted position in the medieval period. In the late 15th century, the Princes in the Tower were housed at the castle when they mysteriously disappeared, presumed murdered. Under the Tudors, the Tower became used less as a royal residence, and despite attempts to refortify and repair the castle, its defences lagged behind developments to deal with artillery.

The zenith of the castle's use as a prison was the 16th and 17th centuries, when many figures who had fallen into disgrace, such as Elizabeth I before she became queen, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth Throckmorton, were held within its walls. This use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower". Despite its enduring reputation as a place of torture and death, popularised by 16th-century religious propagandists and 19th-century writers, only seven people were executed within the Tower before the world wars of the 20th century. Executions were more commonly held on the notorious Tower Hill to the north of the castle, with 112 occurring there over a 400-year period. In the latter half of the 19th century, institutions such as the Royal Mint moved out of the castle to other locations, leaving many buildings empty. Anthony Salvin and John Taylor took the opportunity to restore the Tower to what was felt to be its medieval appearance, clearing out many of the vacant post-medieval structures.

In the First and Second World Wars, the Tower was again used as a prison and witnessed the executions of 12 men for espionage. After the Second World War, damage caused during the Blitz was repaired, and the castle reopened to the public. Today, the Tower of London is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Under the ceremonial charge of the Constable of the Tower, operated by the Resident Governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the Jewel House, and guarded by the Yeomen Warders, the property is cared for by the charity Historic Royal Palaces and is protected as a World Heritage Site.

wikipedia.org