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The Tower of London is a historic monument located in central London, on the north bank of the River Thames.

The construction of the Tower of London (actually only of the currently called White Tower) was ordered by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, on his efforts to keep the city safe from foreign attacks and to consolidate his power over the Londoners.

Although many later kings and queens stayed at the Tower, it was never intended as the main royal residence. The Tower’s primary function was to be a fortress-stronghold, keeping this role until the late 19th century.

The Tower’s fortifications were modified by medieval kings and by 1350 it was transformed into the admirable fortress we find today. Besides being a fortress, the Tower of London was used as a prison. Along its history, famous prisoners such as Henry VI, Edward V, Sir Thomas More, Guy Fawkes, Bishop Fisher of Rochester (during the religious changes occurred on the 16th century) and two of Henry VIII wives were confined there. Also Elizabeth I, when being a princess, was imprisoned in the Tower by her sister the Queen Mary. Some of the prisoners’ graffiti can still be seen on the Tower of London walls.

Today the Tower of London is one of the world’s major tourist attractions, receiving over two million visitors a year from different countries. It is the oldest building used by the British government and it has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1988 due to its landscape, architecture and historic value.

The Tower of London main attractions include:

The White Tower: Known for many as the Tower of London itself, the White Tower is the oldest building of the complex and it contains architectural jewels such as the Chapel of St John the Evangelist. During its guided tours, visitors could wear a gauntlet, lift a musket and handle a sword while strolling around its 10 centuries of history.

The Crown Jewels: Under armed guard, stays the greatest collection of Crown Jewels in the world and priceless symbols of British monarchy, which include some of the world’s most famous diamonds.

Tower Green: Place of execution of many famous prisoners such as Anne Boleyn.

The East Wall Walk: Tour around the inner defense wall and the four towers discovering the military importance as a fortress and the former “home” of people kept in captivity.

Other points of interest are the Medieval Palace (decorated with medieval Kings’ belongings), the fortress, the Yeoman Warders and its Keys Ceremony. The tower of London is also identified with different legends of Ravens and Ghosts.

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