Tower of London

WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR - 1070’S

The Tower of London is the oldest fortresses in London, Windsor is the oldest castle.

The tower was home to London’s 1st zoo before it moved to Regents Park. Built in the 1070’s it boasts over 1000 years of history. It is home to the Crown Jewels and quite rightly one of London’s most visited tourist attractions.

When William the Conqueror won the battle of Hastings in 1066 he sent for stone to be shipped over from France and started to build what is now known as the White Tower, the plan was to subdue the Londoners from rebellion and it worked, they had never seen such a sight.

By placing the fortress just outside the old Roman city walls, William maintained independence from the local city authorities, ensuring the fortress remained entirely under royal control.

Myth Buster

The King of England does not have to ask permission to enter the City of London, This common myth stems from a misunderstanding of the "Ceremony of the Pearl Sword," where the Lord Mayor symbolically surrenders the City's sword of office to the monarch to acknowledge them as the higher authority.

Tours inside the Tower can only be conducted by the The Yeoman Wardens, popularly known as ‘Beefeaters’.

TOWER OF LONDON

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