HM Tower of London has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most famous castle keeps in the world, it was built to awe, subdue and terrify Londoners and to deter foreign invaders. It’s now an iconic symbol of London and Britain and one of the world’s premier tourist attractions.
Crown Jewels
Our nation's regalia is held in the most visible vault in the world. Thousands of glittering gem stones and yards of silver gilt create a priceless display of royal ornament. Each can tell tales of intrigue, power and majesty across the ages. The Maundy Dish and Imperial State Crown are still part of the annual traditions of monarchy, come on the right day and you'll see our own tradition - placing the ‘in use' sign on a velvet cushion in the relevant case.
Beefeater tours
Share the secrets of one thousand years of royal gossip with a body of Beefeaters (proper name ‘Yeoman Warder' but who remembers that?) that has guarded this fortress for centuries. Take one of their tours and you'll be amazed and appalled by tales that have been passed down for generations. Pain and passion, treachery and torture, all delivered with a smile and swagger.
The White Tower
The White Tower was the original Tower of London. Begun by William the Conqueror around 1080, it would have made a safe and impressive home for the newly crowned Norman invader. It is still home to original armours worn by Henry VIII and Charles I and a scary collection of historical weapons and torture instruments. For those seeking a less gory side of its life, there is the beautifully preserved 11th century Chapel of St John the Evangelist to explore.
Prisoners of the Tower
Despite its reputation there are no dungeons at the Tower of London and its doubtful there ever really were. The Tower was rather more exclusive than that, with prisoners from the higher levels of society entitled to be held here. Come and see what life was like imprisoned in the Bloody or Beauchamp Towers. Experience the sights, sounds and inscriptions left from incarceration five hundred years ago.
Henry V111, Dressed to Kill - The Tower of London
This dramatic exhibition will be ending on 17 January 2010 so don’t delay, come and discover Henry: warrior, sportsman and king at the stunning exhibition in partnership with the Royal Armouries. Displayed over 3 floors of the historic White Tower visitors can journey through some of the world’s rarest arms and armour ever created for Henry VIII all brought together for the first time in modern history this year at the Tower of London. So don’t miss your last chance to visit this spectacular exhibition exploring the man behind the majesty.