The Tower of London is a quintessentially British experience, steeped in history dating back to 1066. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this London icon. Within these hallowed halls sit the treasures of the United Kingdom – the crown jewels. However, you’ll also hear of untold horrors committed by and against kings and queens. All of this is observed by the ravens who guard the tower. It’s said that if the ravens ever leave the tower will fall!
Background on the Tower of London
The Tower of London boasts nearly a millennium of history. It’s a symbol of royalty but also one of power and has played such a role since its erection in 1066, commissioned by William the Conqueror. The structure has evolved through the ages, as a royal palace, prison, torture chamber, treasury and tourist attraction.
If walls could speak… The Tower of London is steeped in history. From the imprisonment and bloody execution of Ann Boleyn and Sir Thomas More to the modern day. Notable prisoners and even 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 provided 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.
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 (London Underground) to Tower Hill station and then it’s only a few minutes’ walk away. If you’re able to walk there, it’s definitely worth doing so because the views along the Thames are spectacular and that’s where most of the sights can be seen.
What to expect when you visit
In true British style, this place isn’t open late. The last admission is 4.30 pm and the place closes at 5.30 pm so don’t be tardy! Actually, the best time to visit, hands down, is when it opens at around 9-10 am. You’ll be perusing while the tourists are snoozing and it’s such a huge place that even if there are a couple of hundred visitors there, it will feel 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 how richly historied this place is 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 a person who appreciates a good story, 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 good portion of time.
Take a trip through the Tower of London, where centuries of history await and where bloody executions unfolded. This special spot boasts the Crown Jewels stunning Norman architecture and even the armour of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II. There you can see the famous White Tower, explore millenium-old graffiti in the old holding cell and say hi to the very friendly ravens who guard the place.
What else can you do when you visit the Tower of London
Give your visit 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. This place has played such a pivotal role in the country’s history that it’s tangible. You can see centuries-old graffiti on the wall, walk the same steps as queens and kings and appreciate the tower that has stood strong for almost a millennium.