The Tower of London has stood for over 950 years, watching over the city of London with its ancient walls holding secrets of kings, queens, and countless legends.
The Tower of London is a historic fortress on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and even a zoo. Today, it's part of London's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Fortress Built for Power and Peril
William the Conqueror ordered the Tower's construction to assert Norman control after the Battle of Hastings. The White Tower, completed in 1100, was the original keep. Its thick Caen stone walls (over 10 feet thick in places) were designed to intimidate Londoners. Over centuries, it evolved from a military stronghold to a royal residence, prison for high-profile captives like Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, and even a menagerie housing exotic animals gifted to monarchs.
For Londoners today, the Tower is a constant presence in the skyline. The nearest Tube station is Tower Hill (District and Circle lines), just a five-minute walk away. If you commute from the City or Southwark, you pass it daily. Crossing Tower Bridge offers stunning views of its medieval battlements against modern skyscrapers like the Shard.
Legends That Still Haunt the Tower
One legend involves the ravens. Since King Charles II's time in the 1660s, it's been said that if the ravens leave, the kingdom falls. Today, seven ravens live at the Tower, cared for by the Ravenmaster. Their wings are clipped to prevent flight, and they're fed raw meat daily. Each raven has a name-Merlina, for example, is known for stealing tourists' hats. The Ravenmaster ensures they stay, as the Tower's survival depends on it.
The Crown Jewels are another major draw. Housed in the Jewel House, they include the 530-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, adorned with the Cullinan I diamond. In 1671, Colonel Thomas Blood tried to steal them but was caught. Today, they're guarded 24/7 by armed officers and viewed by over 2.5 million visitors annually. The jewels were hidden in a Windsor Castle vault during WWII but returned to the Tower in 1946.
Traitor's Gate is where prisoners entered by boat. Anne Boleyn passed through here in 1536 before her execution. The gate's name comes from the accused of treason brought here. Today, it's a quiet spot for visitors to imagine the past, with views of the Thames flowing past its stone arch.
Visiting the Tower: Tips for Londoners
For Londoners, the Tower isn't just a tourist spot-it's part of daily life. If you're visiting during a lunch break, you can see the Crown Jewels in under an hour. The best time to avoid crowds is early morning (10 AM opening) or late afternoon. Tickets can be booked online to skip queues. The Tower opens daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM), except December 24-26.
Nearby attractions include Tower Bridge, just a short walk away. Its glass walkways offer panoramic views of the Tower and Thames. After your visit, grab coffee at The Gun pub on Tower Hill. It's been serving locals since 1768 with Thames-side seating and historic charm. The Tower's own café serves traditional British fare like fish and chips.
Don't miss the Ceremony of the Keys. This nightly tradition locks the Tower for the night. Tickets must be booked months in advance and the ceremony starts at 9:53 PM. It's a unique experience connecting you to centuries of London history. The Tower is also part of the London Pass, which includes entry to over 80 attractions-ideal for regular visitors. As a Zone 1 location, Oyster cards and contactless payments work for transport here.
The Tower Today: A Living Piece of London
The Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, live in the Tower with their families. They're retired military personnel who serve as custodians. Each has a unique role: some conduct tours, others care for the ravens. Their presence keeps traditions alive. During the annual "Tudor Christmas" event, they reenact historical festivities with games, music, and feasting.
In summer, the Tower hosts open-air concerts on the moat, drawing crowds from across London. The 1974 IRA bombing outside the Tower killed two people, but it continued operating. This event is now part of the security history exhibits. The Tower's resilience reflects London's enduring spirit.
The "Tower of London: A Thousand Years of Power" exhibition is free with admission. It showcases artifacts from medieval torture devices to modern security measures. You'll see the original 11th-century White Tower stones and the 16th-century gunpowder store where gunpowder was stored for the monarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I plan to spend at the Tower of London?
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the Tower. If you're short on time, you can see the main highlights like the Crown Jewels and White Tower in about an hour. For a thorough experience, including all exhibitions and the ravens, allocate at least half a day.
Is the Tower of London open every day?
Yes, the Tower of London is open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), except for December 24, 25, and 26. During peak season (April to September), it stays open until 6 PM. Always check the official website for any seasonal changes or special closures.
Can I see the Crown Jewels at night?
No, the Crown Jewels are only on display during the Tower's opening hours. The Jewel House closes when the Tower closes, so there are no evening viewings. However, you can book the Ceremony of the Keys to see the Tower after dark, though the jewels aren't part of that experience.
What's the best way to get to the Tower of London?
The easiest way is to take the Tube to Tower Hill station (District and Circle lines), which is a five-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can walk from London Bridge station (Jubilee line) or take a Thames Clipper river bus to Tower Pier. For those driving, there's limited parking nearby, but public transport is recommended due to London's congestion charge zone.
Are the ravens really kept at the Tower?
Yes, there are currently seven ravens living at the Tower. They're cared for by the Ravenmaster, who feeds them raw meat daily. Their wings are clipped to prevent them from flying away. According to legend, if the ravens leave, the kingdom will fall-so they're protected by tradition and law.
