Tower of London: Visitor Guide
Plan a visit to the Tower of London, one of the UK's top attractions
Feb 20, 2007
HISTORY
The oldest part of the Tower of London is the White Tower, which was begun in 1078 by William the Conqueror. There are now twenty towers in all, in what is still officially a royal household although no-one has lived here since Henry VII. It was also well-known for its use as a prison, and the many beheadings that took place here account for some of the ghosts that are said to haunt the buildings.
THE BLOODY TOWER
The most famous killings at the Tower of London were those in the Bloody Tower, site of one of the most famous unsolved murders in history, which gave the Bloody Tower its nickname. Its original name was the rather more pleasant Garden Tower. In 1483 the two sons of Edward IV (Richard and the uncrowned boy king Edward V) were put in the tower by Richard of Gloucester. The two princes were never seen again, Richard of Gloucester was crowned King Richard III, and the skeletons of two young children were found in 1674 buried under the stairs of the White Tower. You can draw your own conclusions, as Shakespeare did for the basis of his play, Richard III.
CROWN JEWELS
The Crown Jewels are easily the Tower of London's star attractions, and worth the visit alone. They are so popular that there is unfortunately no lingering to savour them. Moving walkways keep the crowds passing by. You do, however, get terrific close-up views of these dazzling gems, including the 530-carat Star of Africa diamond, which graces the Royal Sceptre and is the largest cut diamond in the world. The Crown Jewels are so valuable that it is impossible to insure them
THE BEEFEATERS
The 39 Yeoman Warders, nicknamed the Beefeaters, have been at the Tower of London ever since they were appointed b that famous Beef eater, Henry VIII, in 1485.
THE RAVENS
The six ravens (and a few spares) of the Tower of London are an important symbol as legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the British kingdom will fall. They must be doing their job as Britain has never been invaded since they arrived. The fact that their wings are clipped might have helped.
GUIDED TOURS
The Tower of London's famous Beefeaters (no, they're not sponsored by a gin company) give guided tours of the Tower of London from 9.30am onwards, starting every half-hour and leaving from the Middle Tower, near the main entrance. They last about an hour, are free and need not be booked in advance.
THE CEREMONY OF THE KEYS
You must book ahead to see this ancient ceremonial locking of the Tower's main gates, which takes place from 9.30-10pm nightly. At least two months notice should be given. Write giving your requested dates, and also alternative dates. State the number of people in your group (seven max) and enclose a self-addressed envelope with either first class UK postage or two IRCs. Write to: Ceremony of the Keys, Waterloo Block, Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, England.
HOW LONG TO STAY?
Half a day at least.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Visit the website by clicking here.
