Beefeater, Tower of London
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Tower of London

The Tower of London is a popular tourist attraction near to Tower Bridge on the North side of the River Thames in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is the home of the Crown Jewels which are kept there, currently on display in the Waterloo Barracks.

The Tower is a very popular London attraction so you might want to buy your tickets in advance, especially if planning to visit at peak times.

History

The Tower's long history begins in 1078 when William the Conquerer built the central White Tower. Over the centuries the original building was expanded to become a royal residence defended with walls and a moat.

The Tower became famous - or infamous - through it's use as a prison and place of execution. Prisoners varied from common criminals through to famous dissidents of noble or even royal birth. The latter included the Princes in the Tower.

The Tower can be entered by water from the Thames and this entrance is known as Traitors' Gate.

Ravens

The most famous inhabitants of the Tower of London are its ravens. These, according to legend, have been there for centuries (not the same ones, obviously!). It is said that Charles II ordered that they be removed following complaints about the noise they were producing. However he was then informed of a legend that should the ravens leave the Tower then the monarchy would fall. Charles decided to err on the side of safety and decreed that the ravens be fed, watered and generally protected.

Today the ravens are cared for by a yeoman titled Raven Master. The ravens' wings have been clipped to prevent them flying away, however the can walk fast and often startle unsuspecting tourists.

Ghost Stories

Given the Tower's long history as a place of execution it's not surprising that there are numerous ghost stories and haunted tales associated with it.

One of the Tower's most famous victims was Anne Boleyn, unfortunate wife of Henry VIII, who was beheaded at the Tower. Her headless ghost has been reported wandering the Tower on numerous occasions.

The ghosts of two young children have also been seen playing at the Tower. These are thought to be the Princes in the Tower.

Guy Fawkes - who plotted to destroy the Houses of Parliament - was "interrogated" (a nice word for "tortured") and executed in the Tower. There have been reports of his screams and curses echoing through the Tower.

The Tower of London also has the traditional White Lady and Grey Lady ghosts. The identity of these poor souls in unknown.