A Rich History
A medieval fortress in the conquest of London
Construction of the fortress began in the late 11th century. The Tower of London's keep, known as the "White Tower", was built by William the Conqueror. The King of England sought to assert his authority by fortifying his position at the gates of London.
At the time, the construction of the Tower of London was part of a wider project to build several fortresses and castles to cement his dominion over England. The strategic location of the Tower on the banks of the Thames made it an essential command centre.
From royal residence to prison
The Tower of London served many purposes depending on the needs of the British Crown. Initially an administrative and strategic centre, it later became a royal residence thanks to the chambers in the White Tower.
From the 16th century, however, it was primarily used as a prison. The Tower of London saw many of the country's most prominent figures imprisoned within its walls: Elizabeth I, future Queen of England; James I, King of Scotland; Thomas More, the renowned philosopher and statesman; and Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII.
The bloody myth of the Tower of London
As one of the country's most important prisons, the Tower of London acquired a notorious reputation. It is considered a cursed place due to the torture and executions that took place there.
In reality, this image is largely a myth, constructed and popularised by English literature, particularly in the 19th century.
Most executions actually took place on Tower Hill, near the fortress, and the living conditions of Tower prisoners were, on the whole, better than those in other prisons of the era.
Visiting the Tower of London
With your Tower of London ticket, you'll be able to discover all the wonders of this great fortress. Behind its walls lie the iconic White Tower, many other towers, a royal chapel and the Waterloo Barracks.
The visit holds special surprises: the White Tower, the Crown Jewels, encounters with the Yeomen Warders and the Tower's famous ravens.
To choose the right way to explore the fortress, also read our page about Tower of London guided tours.
For a more complete discovery of the English capital, you can also explore London on foot and admire iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
The White Tower
The White Tower is the iconic monument of the Tower of London - it is from this keep that the fortress takes its name.
In this imposing keep, you will find a magnificent Romanesque chapel, the Chapel of St John the Evangelist.
The White Tower also houses one of the Royal Armouries collections, featuring numerous historical armours and weapons, some of which belonged to former sovereigns.
The Crown Jewels
The Tower of London is perhaps best known for housing the Crown Jewels - the regalia including crowns, sceptres and swords worn by the Sovereign during major ceremonies such as coronations and royal weddings.
With your Tower of London ticket, you can discover these treasures of the British monarchy, still used by members of the royal family today. Photography is strictly prohibited.
The Yeomen Warders
Recognisable by their red and black uniform, the Yeomen Warders are the historic guardians of the Tower of London - since 1485! These members of the royal guard, also nicknamed the "Beefeaters", protect the Crown Jewels and lead guided tours of the fortress.
Departing every 30 minutes and included in your entry ticket, these tours with a Yeoman Warder take you through a thousand years of Tower history. Presentations are in English, but audio guides are available in several languages.
How to become a Yeoman Warder?
Becoming a Yeoman Warder is no easy feat! To join this unit of the royal guard, you must have served for at least 22 years in the armed forces with an impeccable record. Don't be deceived by appearances: behind the distinctive "Beefeater" costume are highly decorated military veterans!
Where does the nickname "Beefeaters" come from?
The Yeomen Warders are nicknamed the "beef eaters". This surprising expression has uncertain origins. Some say it was simply slang for "English". Others believe it refers to the fact that the Yeomen Warders were mainly fed on beef broth. The mystery remains!
The Ravens
When you visit the Tower of London, you'll spot some rather unusual birds: ravens! There are seven of them, all fed by the guardians and free to roam the fortress.
Legend has it that if the ravens were ever to leave the Tower of London, the British monarchy would crumble. To ward off this ill omen, the ravens are lavishly cared for!
Be warned though: you are not allowed to feed them.
Who is the Tower of London for?
The Tower of London is suitable for all audiences. History enthusiasts will be immersed in the conflicts, secrets and rituals of the British monarchy.
Children will also enjoy the visit, thanks to the many anecdotes and myths shared along the way. For young and old alike, a visit to the Tower of London is a unique way to discover the city of London!
Before booking, find answers about mobile tickets, prices and accessibility in our Tower of London FAQ.
Know before you go
- Wheelchair access is limited in parts of the site.
- Some areas of the fortress may be overwhelming for young children.
- The Tower of London is a historic building with stairs that can be difficult to navigate.