What is the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, it has served as a royal palace, a prison, an armory and the home of the Crown Jewels.
The White Tower, the central keep, was built in the 1070s and 1080s to show Norman power over London. Later kings added walls, towers and a moat.
The Tower became famous as a prison and place of execution. Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey were executed within its walls, and many prisoners were held there, including Sir Walter Raleigh and the young Princes in the Tower.
What to see
Today, the Tower is a museum and one of London's most visited attractions. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels, the White Tower's collection of armor and the medieval palace.
The Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, give guided tours and live within the Tower. A group of ravens also lives there.
The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every night, the Ceremony of the Keys, a tradition of locking the Tower's gates, has been held for around 700 years.