The Tower of London

Officially known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace, The Tower of London is a historic fortress, located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.

The fortress was built by William the Conqueror, King William I, starting in 1078. The moat was built by Richard I, using water diverted from the River Thames.

The Tower of London has played a prominent role in English history. It had many uses. Its main function was to protect the Norman rule in the years after the conquest. It was a prison, and a place of execution.

Today, The Tower of London is the home of the Crown Jewels of England. This is the collection of jewels owned by the British state, and sometimes worn by the monarch at coronation and at the opening of Parliament. There is also a museum of armour.

The Tower of London Highlights:

•	There are 12 acres of land within the walls.
•	When it was built, it was initially resented by the people of London as a symbol of oppression by the new ruling forces.
•	It has been used as an armoury, a menagerie, a treasury and a prison.
•	The term ‘sent to the Tower’ was coined during the 16th and 17th century when those who had fallen into disgrace were sent there.
•	The prisoners entered through the water gate, called ‘Traitor’s Gate’.
•	The White Tower is a fortified tower, called a keep and houses the crypt of St John’s Chapel.
•	The Tower is said to be haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn walking the chapel of St Peter and Vincula.

How to reach Tower of London:

Address:	The Tower of London, London, England EC3N 4AB
Closest Underground Station	Tower Hill
By Rail - Nearest stations:	Fenchurch Street or London Bridge
Closest Bus Stop	Stop TA: Route 15 N15
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Stops	Tower Hill - Red Route - Stop 16
By River - Nearest river access:	Tower Pier

Tower of London Opening Times:

•	Summer Opening - 1 March - 31 October: Tuesday-Saturday: 09:00-17:30 Sunday-Monday: 10:00-17:30 Last admission: 17:00
•	Winter Opening - 1 November - 28 February: Tuesday-Saturday: 09:00-16:30 Sunday-Monday: 10:00-16:30 Last admission: 16:00