MUST-SEE HISTORIC CASTLE & FORTRESS
The amazing Tower of London is situated in the middle of the city, along the Thames River. With metropolitan life bustling all around it, this fascinating one thousand-year old castle and fortress, harbours spooky tales. You must see it while you’re in London. I’ll give you details of this epic tourist attraction to help plan your visit.
I drove around looking at it before working up the courage to actually visit. I know, yes, I’m a bit of a chicken. And of course being cold and gloomy, it seemed even more scary. But I finally decided to put my big girl pants on and venture in, not by myself, of course, are you kidding?
Thankfully there weren’t too many tourists being Wintertime, so my family and I walked straight in through the main archway. But I felt like I was going back in time to a previous life that wasn’t going to end well.
However, inside the main courtyard it’s actually very pleasant. The central tower has been well maintained and is quite beautiful.
History
The Tower’s construction began in 1066 during Norman times and was designed to subdue and terrify Londoners and to protect against foreign invasion.
Over the centuries it has been used for numerous different purposes: a royal palace, a fortress, barracks, a prison, an arsenal, executions, a zoo, a mint, a museum and for housing the Crown Jewels, including coronation regalia, which are not kept at Buckingham Palace as one would expect.
So much going on in the one place, it’s unbelievable. If only the walls could talk. Formal history books don’t date back that far, so early information about the place isn’t accurate.
White Tower
The White Tower in the centre of the whole castle is built as a fortified ‘keep’ and is probably why it was made a royal residence. It’s a lovely Romanesque style building that has white-washed features, hence the name.
Bloody Tower
The whole castle sits on 7 hectares, has 2 sets of walls around the property and a moat. There are also numerous towers, I counted 24 of them, drawbridges, 2 chapels and a huge dungeon. One of the towers is called the Bloody Tower! I can only imagine what sort of ‘bloody’ things took place in there. I have chills thinking about it.
Menagerie
In the past it was considered a status symbol by royals to have a menagerie of exotic animals for their own enjoyment. The Royal Beasts exhibitions included lions, tigers, elephants, monkeys, alligators and more. This went on for hundreds of years. But unfortunately they were often mistreated. You will see some animal statues around the grounds, paying homage to the beasts that were kept here.
Prisoners held here
Many famous people were held captive and died here. Two of King Henry VIII’s wives, one being Anne Boleyn, whose ghost apparently wanders around at night carrying her head (scream). Two young Princes, brothers, 9 and 12 years old, whose bodies were never found, were assumed murdered by their uncle Richard III, after they were locked up in the tower instead of taking their rightful place on the throne.
Other people detained here were common criminals, clergymen, Jesuits and political prisoners. Some were put through excruciating torture for days, then executed. Others escaped and lived to tell the tale.
Here’s a fun fact for you: there have been 22 executions here.
Did you need to know that? Probably not, but there you have it.
Museum
These days this world heritage site is open as a Museum, showcasing historical artefacts from one of the most powerful countries in the world.
The displays include royal suits of armour from previous kings, horse statues, weapons, royal regalia and most notably, the Crown Jewels, which are the most popular attractions. And, yes they are the real deal. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed of the jewels (very disappointing).
Jewels
Let’s talk more about these jewels. Do you know what they are estimated to be worth in total? Wait for it … Between 3 and 5 billion pounds! Yep. But the actual value of the crown jewels is priceless, of course. There are more than 23,000 gemstones, including the world’s largest clear-cut diamond. Want to know the size of that, for all you diamond enthusiasts like me? A whopping 530 carats. Ok, you can close your mouth now.
Guards
The Beefeaters, the ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London, are there to greet and guide tourists, However, they were originally for guarding the prisoners.
Fun fact: they were given their name because they were allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted from the King’s table.
The Grenadier guards are also on full display, changing back and forth as they do. Tried chatting to one, but not very sociable!
Finally
There you have it. You must see the amazing attraction that is the Tower of London. If you need more reasons to visit, here are a few:
- it is an iconic landmark of England,
- a UNESCO heritage listed site,
- entry is free with the London Pass,
- you can take a twilight tour, if you dare,
- there are cafes and shops here and, of course, even a pub,
- black ravens, the resident birds, have a long association with the Tower of London.
I highly recommend a visit to this old castle and fortress, which will undoubtedly send a shiver up your spine.
TIPS & ADVICE FOR VISITING
- Book tickets in advance
- Preferably visit early morning upon opening to avoid crowds
- Take a tour to learn more about the monument
- Allow about 3 hours.
I hope you have enjoyed my article on the Tower of London. Now, off to the tower!
Please leave me a comment about the Tower of London below.
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5 Comments
I would totally do the twilight tour -how fun! 😀
such a great place where you can mention with us here. need to info article through out to share with us
thank you for reading.
I live in London and the Tower of London is definitely an attraction I recommend to visitors. From the rich history to the mysterious ravens on the grounds, it’s a must see in the capital. I agree with your tips 100%!
This is such a good post, especially if you have never been in London or this sight in particular. I love how you are describing what to expect from the place, it is something I would love to know if I would be a first timer there.