#Tower of london tour full#

You may know Newton as the guy that discovered gravity and those useful laws of motion, but he was also into alchemy (his version of chemistry). See early coins and learn about the Great Recoinage of 1696, headed up by none other than Isaac Newton. Check out the mint rooms, to the left as you enter from the drawbridge. The Tower of London being no exception, it housed the Royal Mint and Treasury for a period of time. Money, money, moneyĬastles are great for protection. The last execution was a German spy in 1941, and the last prisoners held here were the Kray Twins in 1952. Other famous prisoners throughout the centuries include William Wallace, Edward V and his brother Richard (the Lost Princes in the Tower), Guy Fawkes, and Rudolph Hess.Ī well-built castle is just as good at keeping people in as it is at keeping others out. Visit Beauchamp Tower and look out the same window those doomed souls did at the spot on Tower Green where they would be beheaded. In the chaos that followed his death, more would meet their end here. Infamous King Henry VIII had two of his six wives beheaded here at Tower Green. Many prisoners carved messages into the walls of their rooms to pass the time, and you can see these carvings throughout the Tower. Visit the Bloody Tower and learn more in the Dungeons.īut if you were an important political foe you were sent to the Tower, arriving via the Thames through Traitor’s Gate, to be detained until they could come up with a reason to execute you. Once upon a time being sent to the Tower was a terrifying affair, often ending in your tortured confession and death on nearby Tower Hill. Probably the most well-known use for the Tower of London. The Tower of London was an infamous prison. He built the original castle walls, White Tower, and moat, portions of which remain to this day.Īs time passed, the castle evolved into a formidable fortress. More time passed, the moat was drained, and the Tower’s main purpose today is protecting the Crown Jewels. Side Note: Does anyone else think the announcer lady on the Tube is a bit too cheery when she says Tower Hill? Something to listen for when you visit…Īfter his successful invasion in 1066, William the Conqueror decided this ancient Roman site was the perfect place to build a new castle to keep an eye on London and its people. They can be a bit difficult to reach sometimes, but this one is conveniently located in the middle of the city and easily accessible via the Tower Hill tube station.

#Tower of london tour full#

We recommend you visit the attraction website before visiting for full details, opening times and booking information.Tower of London lit up for the night 1. The Tower of London also hosts the Ceremony of the Keys, considered to be one of the oldest military ceremonies in the world, and other traditional live events. You’ll also learn about the wide array of institutions previously located here including the Royal Mint, the Royal Armouries and even a zoo.

The Yeoman Wardens, popularly known as ‘Beefeaters’, will take you on a tour of the Tower, where you’ll hear stories about ghosts as well as the terrible tales of torture and execution, including famous occupants such as Anne Boleyn.

Nearly 1000 years later, the Tower still has the capacity to fascinate and horrify. In 1070 William the Conqueror built a mighty stone tower at the centre of his London fortress. Yeoman Wardens or 'Beefeaters' will take you on a guided tour, and you'll also have the chance to meet the ravens! Explore the 1000-year history of London’s iconic castle and World Heritage Site, also the home of the world-renowned Crown Jewels.