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The Tower of London or more correctly, "Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress", is one of London's most distinctive, and historic, landmarks. Situated on the North bank of the Rver Thames on Tower Hill, it is the oldest building still within use by the British Government. The building's most well known feature is the "White Tower" and many confuse this as the Tower of London. In actual fact the White Tower is only part of the Tower of London complex which consists of a number of buildings including the Inner Ward (featuring 13 towers) and the Outer Ward (which has 5 towers).
The White Tower (pictured below) sits at the very centre of the complex. It was built by William the Conqueror (in 1078) as a fortress and palace (although William Shakespeare's "Richard III" says that it was built by Julius Caesar). The White Tower has had a number of uses over the years and is most well known for being a prison and where the Crown Jewels are kept (since 1303).
Famous prisoners, held in the Tower, include the Scottish Kings John Balliol & David II, Anne Boleyn and the "Princes in the Tower", Edward V and his brother Richard of Shrewsbury.
Legends Associated With The Tower Of London
There are a great many legends associated with the tower along with a collection of ghosts. One of the most famous legends is associated with the ravens of the Tower. It is said that if the ravens leave the Tower both the White Tower and the King (and his kingdom - England) would fall. At one time the Tower served as a Royal Observatory and the ravens were causing a nuisance but King Charles II would not remove them, instead he removed the observatory to Greenwich instead. A minimum of half a dozen ravens are usually kept. All are given names and the oldest recorded raven was named Jim Crow who lived to a ripe old age of 44. Such is the power of the legend that in 2006, in fear of the influenza virus H5N1, the ravens were kept indoors for a short while.
Famous ghosts of the tower include those who were executed there. Anne Boleyn is said to roam about the chapel of St Peter-ad-Vincula. Amongst the other ghosts is that of a bear which, apparently, scared a sentry to death in 1816 so please take care when you take a tour of the Tower of London - you never know!
Contact
Tower of London
Tower Hill,
City,
London,
EC3N 4AB
Tel: 0871 602 1100
Getting To The Tower Of London
The easiest way to get to the Tower of London is via the London Tube (London Underground) getting off at the Tower Hill station and you will be about three minutes away. It is also possible to get to the Tower via the Docklands Light Railways, get off at Tower Gateway (less than five minutes away) or Bank (which is quarter of an hour away).
| Nearest Tube Stations | Nearest Railway Stations | Nearest Car Parks |
| Tower Hill (3 minutes away) | Fenchurch Street (5 minutes away) | Arch Car Parking (11 minutes away) |
| Aldgate (9 minutes away) | Cannon Street (15 minutes away) | Q-Park Bucklesbury House (16 minutes away) |
Opening Times
Tue to Sat: 9am-5.30pm,
Sun & Mon: 10am-5.30pm
(last adm 5pm)
Hotels Near The Tower of London
The Tower- A Guoman Hotel
This 4 star hotel less than a quarter of a mile from the Tower of London. Read more...
Novotel London Tower Bridge
An excellent 4 star hotel less than a quarter of a mile from the Tower. Read More...
Grange City Hotel
A great 5 star hotel less than a quarter of a mile from the Tower of London. Read more...
Find More Hotels Near The Tower of London >
Check Availability Of Tower of London Hotels
Interesting Tower of London Links
Tower of London
The official site of the Tower of London.
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