The Tower of London is a quintessentially British experience, drenched in history that dates all the way back to 1066. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this London icon. Within these walls sit the UK’s most prized possessions: the crown jewels. Not only can you have a snoop at those while you’re there, but you can also hear of all untold horrors committed by and against kings and queen, and soak up the ever-so eerie atmosphere of one of the most haunted attractions in the world.
The history of the Tower of London
The Tower of London boasts nearly a millennium of history. It’s a symbol of royalty but has also been a symbol of power, ever since being built in 1066, commissioned by William the Conqueror. The structure has evolved through the ages, and the Tower of London has played the part of a royal palace, a prison, a torture chamber, a treasury and – of course – a tourist attraction.
If walls could talk, the Tower of London would certainly have plenty to chat about, from the imprisonment and bloody beheadings of Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More to the modern day. Notable prisoners and other victims of execution at the tower also include Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. Those of high society were executed within, but gruesome executions outside of the walls also took place to provide public entertainment.
One captivating story is that of the two princes. Two nobles (one of whom was destined to become king) mysteriously disappeared after having been imprisoned in the tower. What happened to them? We may never know but there is plenty of speculation given the backstabbing nature of royal politics in fifteenth-century England. Eek!
The Tower of London is renowned for its gruesome history, making it the perfect spot to visit if you’re in the mood for some ghost-hunting. The hallowed halls are said to be haunted by a number of ghostly figures, including Anne Boleyn who was executed on Tower Green in 1536. Travel booking company, Omio, have recently revealed that the Tower of London has had a 5000% search increase worldwide from people seeking out spooky spots to visit at Halloween (and beyond).
Where is the Tower of London and how to get there
You’ll find the Tower of London on the North Bank of the Thames and it truly is a sight to behold. You can get the Tube to Tower Hill station and then it’s just a short walk from there. If you’re able to walk there, it’s definitely worth doing so, because the views along the Thames are pretty spectacular.
What to expect when you visit
In true British style, the Tower of London isn’t open late. The last admission is at 4.30 pm and the place closes at 5.30 pm – so try not to be tardy! The best time to visit – in our humble opinion – is when it opens at around 9-10 am. You’ll be perusing while the tourists are snoozing and it’s so bloomin’ huge that even with a couple of hundred visitors there, it still feels pretty empty.
FAQs
Is the Tower of London free to enter?
If you are a member then it is free, but if you’re not, then it does cost. However, given the rich history and the vast scale of the place; it’s more than worth paying for a ticket.
Is it worth going to the Tower of London?
In a word: YES! Whether you’re a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, a committed royalist, or just plain-and-simple nosey, the Tower of London is a must-visit.
How long does it take to see the Tower of London?
You’re not just exploring the tower, but the moat and all of the fortifications, so we would advise setting aside at least 4 hours. Once you’ve seen everything, there are plenty of famous locations to explore nearby so it’s never a bad thing to set aside a entire day for it.
Take a trip through the Tower of London, where centuries of history await. This special spot boasts the Crown Jewels, stunning Norman architecture, and even the armour of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II. You can also see the famous White Tower, explore millenium-old graffiti in the old holding cell, and say hi to the very friendly resident ravens who guard the place.
What else can you do when you visit the Tower of London
Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy what’s on offer at the tower. Its name is quite misleading because it’s made up of several buildings, spanning a whopping 18 acres of land. Once you’ve covered that, you can take a guided tour, exploring the Jewish history of London. It begins at the tower and ends with St. Paul’s Cathedral, incorporating a trip to the oldest synagogue in the city.
The Tower of London should certainly be on your bucket list. It’s a place that charts the history of what we now know as the United Kingdom. You can see centuries-old graffiti on the wall, walk the same steps as royalty, and appreciate the tower that has stood proud for almost a whole millennium.