If you’re visiting London, we think a visit to the Tower of London should be high on your list of things to do in the city. It is one of the oldest intact buildings in London and has seen a great deal of history.

There is so much to see and do in the Tower of London, from finding the crown jewel to learning the legend of the ravens. In this guide “Everything you must know before visiting the Tower of London” (which is His Majesty’s Royal Palace and the Fortress of the Tower of London), we’ll give you every information you need to plan your visit.

A Brief History of the Tower of London

In 1066, William the Conqueror invaded Britain, ending centuries of Anglo-Saxon rule. The dynasty that William started shaped much of the England you see today, even down to the current king.

With London as his capital, he naturally had to build an impressive castle here to show his absolute power. In 1066, the Tower of London began construction. The building was originally of plain timber, but in the early 1080s, a more impressive stone structure was constructed. It was built on top of an existing Roman fortress that was part of the Roman city wall.

This was the White Tower, a massive stone fortress that still stands today as the focal point of the Tower of London.

Today, the Tower of London consists of 12 acres of defenses, walls, and buildings. First the moat, then a defensive wall, an outer ward, another defensive wall fence, the inner ward, and finally the innermost ward where you will find the White Tower.

The Tower of London has been the site of many important events in British history. Many notable people in history were executed here, including the 112 people who were killed in the tower more than 400 years ago including political and religious prisoners, and even German spies in the time of World War II.

Today, the Tower of London is a major tourist attraction, a project that dates back nearly 400 years. It is also home to some notable businesses, including the home of the Crown Jewels and the battalion headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to about 40 retired service personnel and their families.

The White Tower

Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, the White Tower is the oldest part of the Tower of London. It served as a symbol of power, with impressive exhibits such as the Royal Armory (showing the arms and weapons of monarchs such as Henry VIII), cramped prison cells and medieval frescoes as well Learn the history of the mint at the Royal Mint Museum and find St John’s Chapel Royal You can do it. Essentially, it’s a journey through history and royalty inside the iconic White Tower.

The Tower’s Mint

You must visit the Tower Mint within the Tower of London. You first enter the Tower and walk through the Outer Ward to Mint Street. The Tower Mint, founded in 1279, produced most of England’s coins for 500 years. A visit to the Mint will show you all about this process, as well as the people who lived and worked here. There are also some fun interactive games to play. Turning left, up Mint Street, you come to The Tower Mint. This street is also home to the “Casemates”, a row of houses built within the walls where several yeoman guards live.

Traitors’ Gate

The main entrance to the Tower of London is the Traitor’s Gate, which is notoriously associated with suffering and execution. Built in 1277 and later expanded, the site saw visits from famous forgers such as Thomas More and Guy Fawkes, among many others accused of being a threat to the crown and its presence served as a reminder if it is tragic about the consequences of dishonesty. Today, you can visit this historic site and imagine what it must have been like for those unfortunate souls who had no idea of ​​their fate entering its dark depths and still be able to see originality. Some of the items, such as the iron net, are used to catch prisoners.

Crown Jewels

Within the imposing walls of the Tower of London, visitors come to see the legendary crown jewel. Boasting the world’s largest diamond collection, more than 23,000 precious gemstones, oracles of forgotten royalty, and lavish ceremonies, this incredible collection speaks to power, a story of tradition and whimsical touches from elaborate swords to nautical-themed finger cups that still quench the thirst of royalty Be warned, this treasure draws a crowd, especially in time in a busy area so plan your trip wisely. But even one look at these glittering symbols of queens and queens is sure to leave you in awe.

The Medieval Palace

The Tower of London Wall Walk starts at St. Petersburg. Thomas Tower was built by Edward I in the late 13th century. The tower served two purposes: first, as the upper river water entrance known as the Traitor’s Gate, where Tudor-era prisoners arrived before being tortured or executed and second, as an upper reaches the top floor provides luxurious accommodation for the royal family. Today, St Thomas’ Tower, Wakefield Tower, and Lanthorne Tower are known as medieval castles, showing what the interior would have looked like as a royal visit, with objects and furniture from that era.

Keys Ceremony

One of the most exciting things the guards do is the main ceremony. This takes place at night, and the guard assigned to him locks the doors of the tower for the night and gives the key to the resident governor

During this ceremony, the Chief of the Yeoman Guard places four Tower Company Guards at the outer and inner Byward Gates. Many consider this one of the best attractions in the Tower of London, but you have to book in advance.

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