Tower of London
Nine centuries of royal power, imprisonment, and execution
The Tower of London has served as fortress, palace, and prison—a place where England's monarchs displayed their power through spectacle and violence.
Why It Matters
For nearly a thousand years, the Tower of London has embodied the brutal machinery of English royal power. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it became a place where kings imprisoned rivals, tortured confessions from the accused, and executed those who threatened the throne. Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Sir Thomas More all met their deaths within its walls. The Tower's dungeons held prisoners scratched their final messages into stone—messages still visible today. The Crown Jewels on display represent the wealth extracted through empire, while the ravens that patrol the grounds carry their own legend: should they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was executed at the Tower of London? ▼
Why are there ravens at the Tower of London? ▼
What happened to the Princes in the Tower? ▼
Is the Tower of London haunted? ▼
What is the Ceremony of the Keys? ▼
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The Tower of London has held prisoners since 1100, when Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham, became the first recorded inmate — and the first to escape,...
The Ravens of the Tower of London
The most famous piece of Tower of London folklore holds that if the ravens ever leave, the kingdom will fall.
All Tours
Private Tour: The Iconic Tower of London
Tower of London & 30+ London Sights Walking Tour
6 hours
Private Tour of The Tower of London
3 hours
Tower of London Private Tour for Families and Friends
3 hours
Kid-Friendly Tour: Tower of London and Tower Bridge Entry
4 hours