Introduction
The Tower of London has many important buildings and collections to explore and
educational and entertaining events to take part in. This guide will help you plan
your day.
The White Tower
Begun in the reign of William the Conqueror (1066-1087), the White Tower
marks the start of the Tower of London's history as both a palace and a
fortress. The White Tower is undergoing major refurbishment and exhibitions
are opening in stages this year.
The Royal Armouries
The Royal Armouries derive from the great arsenal at the Tower which
supplied armour and weapons to the medieval English kings and their armies.
The present collection took shape in the reign of Henry VIII (1509-1547)
who restocked the Tower and set up a workshop in Greenwich. The Royal
Armouries' collection at the Tower of London is displayed in the White
Tower.
The Crown Jewels
The Tower of London has been home to the world-famous Crown Jewels
since the beginning of the 14th century. Still used by the Queen and the Royal
Family, the Crown Jewels are an essential part of your visit to the Tower of
London. Newly displayed in 1994, it is now possible to view the Crown
Jewels at close quarters. See Crowns & Diamonds for special exhibition
details.
Crowns & Diamonds
The Martin Tower houses a special exhibition, Crowns & Diamonds: the
making of the Crown Jewels. The exhibition explains the evolution of British
crowns and the role that diamonds play in their decoration, including the
stories of two of the most famous diamonds in the world, the Koh-i-Noor
and Cullinan II. Included in the display are five royal crowns that were in use
between 1715 and 1939 and over 12,000 diamonds.
The Medieval Palace
The Tower of London was a residence for the kings and queens of England
as well as being a fortress. These rooms are shown as they may have
appeared during the reign of Edward I (1272-1307). Presentations by
costumed guides and an exhibition about how the buildings were restored can
be found inside.
The Yeoman Warders
Yeoman Warders (often called 'Beefeaters') have been at the Tower of
London since the 14th century. Today they combine their traditional
ceremonial role with that of tourist guide. Their role as interpreters of the
Tower's history to the public has grown beyond their famous tours. They now
also give talks on subjects such as prisoners of the Tower and lead special
themed tours (see Events).
The Community of the Tower
Although the Tower of London is today seen as a visitor attraction, it is also a
thriving community; about 150 people still live within its walls including the
Yeoman Warders (or ‘Beefeaters’) and their families, the Tower Doctor and
Chaplain, the Resident Governor and, of course, the famous Ravens.
The Ravens
Legend has it that Charles II was told that if the Ravens left the Tower, the
monarchy would fall; so he ensured that a limited number would be kept here
permanently. The Ravens are cared for by one of the Yeoman Warders, with
the title of Ravenmaster. Their lodgings, next to the Wakefield Tower, can be
visited.
Tower Green
Some of the Tower's most famous and important prisoners were held in the
buildings around Tower Green including Sir Walter Ralegh who was
imprisoned in the Bloody Tower for 13 years. In front of the Chapel Royal of
St Peter ad Vincula is the Scaffold Site where two of Henry VIII's wives,
Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were beheaded.
The Chapels in the Tower of London
The Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula is the last resting place of all those
who died at the Scaffold Site, including Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.
The Chapel was originally outside the castle walls but was brought inside as
the Tower expanded to become a church for those living inside. It still
performs this role today and consequently can only be visited on a Yeoman
Warder guided tour. Visitors are welcome to attend any of its services and
details are posted outside the Chapel. The Chapel of St John the Evangelist,
in the White Tower, was reserved for the sovereign and his court but is open
today to visitors.
Traitors' Gate
St Thomas's Tower, above Traitors' Gate, was built between 1275 and 1279
to provide accommodation for the king. The gate provided a new entrance
from the river and in time became known as Traitors' Gate because of the
number of prisoners accused of treason who are supposed to have passed
through it. For prisoners such as Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More, the trip
was to be their last.
The Wall Walk
The Tower of London is surrounded by a series of massive defensive walls.
A walk around the eastern section provides an opportunity to see the Martin
Tower exhibition - Crowns & Diamonds: the making of the Crown Jewels
- and a model showing the Tower as it might have appeared in c1335.
The Fusiliers' Museum
The Army has been involved with the Tower of London ever since its
creation and today the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who were founded in
1685 to protect the royal guns within the Tower, open their museum to the
public. On display are many fascinating exhibits which illustrate the history of
the Regiment. As this is an independent museum, there is a small entrance
charge of £0.50.
Western Entrance & Water Lane
As you enter the Tower of London through the Middle and Byward towers, it
is possible to get an impression of how the Tower was protected against
potential attack. Walking along Water Lane you can also see Traitors' Gate
where many famous prisoners entered the Tower of London for the last time.
Other attractions include the Cradle Tower and Henry III's water-gate.
The Wharf and Tower Hill
When the Tower of London was England´s chief storehouse of armaments,
much of the Wharf was taken up with the movement and storage of
munitions. The Wharf also had a ceremonial role, which it retains today, and
since the time of Henry VIII guns have been fired from here on occasions of
national rejoicing. Tower Hill was the scene of many executions and today the
site of the scaffold is marked by a memorial. Some 125 Tower prisoners died
here, most by beheading.
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