Tower of London: A Fortress of Power, Prison, and Legend
Nearly a thousand years of royal history, executions, and Crown Jewels
William's Statement in Stone
When William the Conqueror defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, he faced a problem: how to control a hostile population that viewed him as a foreign invader. His solution was the Tower of London. Construction began around 1078, and the massive White Towerâso named for the white Caen stone used in its constructionâsent an unmistakable message to Londoners about who was in charge.
The White Tower remains the oldest part of the complex and one of the best-preserved examples of Norman military architecture in England. Its walls are up to 15 feet thick at the base, and it originally stood alone as both a royal residence and a symbol of Norman power. Over the centuries, successive monarchs expanded the complex with additional walls, towers, and buildings.
More Than Just a Castle
The Tower has served more purposes than perhaps any other building in English history. It was a royal residence until the 17th century, though monarchs generally preferred more comfortable accommodations elsewhere. It housed the Royal Mint for over 500 years, producing England's coinage. It served as a records office, an armory, and even a zooâthe Royal Menagerie was located here from the 13th century until 1835.
But the Tower is most famousâor infamousâas a prison and place of execution. While executions were relatively rare (only seven people were executed within the Tower walls), the list of prisoners reads like a who's who of English history: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Guy Fawkes all spent time here.
The Crown Jewels
Since 1661, the Tower has housed the Crown Jewels of Englandâthe ceremonial regalia used in coronations and state occasions. The collection includes the Imperial State Crown, set with over 2,800 diamonds including the famous Cullinan II diamond, and the Sovereign's Orb, symbolizing Christian sovereignty over the world.
The current Crown Jewels date from the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. Oliver Cromwell had melted down the medieval regalia during the Commonwealth period, viewing them as symbols of tyranny. Today, the jewels are displayed in the Jewel House and remain in useâthe Imperial State Crown is worn by the monarch at the State Opening of Parliament.
The Ravens of the Tower
Legend holds that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall. Charles II reportedly wanted to remove the birds but was warned of the prophecy by his astronomer. Whether or not the story is true, at least six ravens have been kept at the Tower ever since, cared for by a dedicated Ravenmaster.
The current ravens are named and have distinct personalities known to the Yeoman Warders who care for them. Their wings are clipped to prevent them from flying away, though they have the run of the Tower grounds. The ravens have become as much a symbol of the Tower as the Beefeaters themselves.
The Yeoman Warders
The Tower's ceremonial guardians, officially called Yeoman Warders of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, are better known as Beefeaters. The nickname's origin is disputedâit may refer to their historical rations of beef or be a corruption of "buffetier," a servant who guarded the king's food.
All Yeoman Warders must have served at least 22 years in the armed forces and hold a Long Service and Good Conduct medal. They live within the Tower walls with their families and serve as both tour guides and ceremonial guards. The position dates back to at least 1485, making them one of the oldest military corps in the world.
Ghosts and Legends
With nearly a thousand years of sometimes violent history, it's no surprise that the Tower is considered one of the most haunted places in Britain. The most famous ghost is Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, who was executed here in 1536. She has reportedly been seen walking the Tower grounds carrying her head.
The Princes in the TowerâEdward V and his brother Richard, who disappeared in 1483 during their uncle Richard III's reignâare also said to haunt the Bloody Tower. Their skeletons were allegedly discovered in 1674 and reburied in Westminster Abbey, but their fate remains one of history's enduring mysteries.
A Living Monument
Unlike many historic castles, the Tower of London has never been abandoned. It remains a working royal palace, home to the Yeoman Warders and their families. The Ceremony of the Keysâthe nightly locking of the Tower gatesâhas taken place every night for over 700 years without interruption, even during the Blitz of World War II.