THE TOWER OF LONDON

The Tower of London is ancient fortress in London, England, just east of the City and on the north bank of the river Thames, covering about 13 acres (5.3 hectares) of land. The Tower is now used mainly as a museum.  It was first a fortress constructed by the Romans on the ruins of which William the Conquerer built his residence.  In fact, the Tower of London was a royal residence in the Middle Ages. Later it became the gaol for illustrious prisoners. The Tower is enclosed by a dry moat, within which are double castellated walls surrounding the central White Tower. Although Roman foundations have been discovered, the White Tower was built approximately in the year.1078 by Gundulf who was the Bishop of Rochester.  The exterior of the Tower was restored by Sir Christopher Wren. Various towers subsequently built were used as prisons; one of them now houses a collection of mediaeval arms and armour. The crown jewels are displayed in the Waterloo Block which used to be a barracks. The Traitors' Gate (giving access by water from the Thames) and the Bloody Tower are associated with many historically noted persons, including Queen Elizabeth I (when still a princess), Sir Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, the Second Earl of Essex, Sir Walter Raleigh, and the duke of Monmouth. Many persons beheaded within the Tower precincts, or on the neighboring Tower Hill, were buried in the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula. The Yeomen of the Guard (or the “Beefeaters” as they are more commonly known ), dressed in Tudor garb, still guard the Tower.

You may tour the Tower of London by clicking on the thumbnails to view a larger picture.  To return to this page kindly click on the BACK button on your browser.