What do you think of when you hear “The Tower of London?” Here’s an overview of this place with its structures dating back for centuries. Contrary to what you may picture, the Tower of London is actually a complex of different towers, a palace, and an exhibition of the official Crown Jewels.
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William the Conqueror built the White Tower after his military victory in 1066. He chose this spot on the Thames River as ideal for a fortress. The Tower Bridge spans the river right outside the gates.
A large moat for protection surrounds the area. No water fills it today, but the green lawn testifies to the era when it was used as a sewer for the castle.
The “Tower” expanded through the next 5 centuries, with kings and queens living in the White Tower and prisoners cast into another tower across the walkway. 
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The most famous of all who lost their heads in the courtyard is Anne Boleyn, one of the wives of Henry VIII. We heard the gruesome story of her beheading, which was of course attended by a few hundred onlookers. The blade came down so fast that her eyes still moved after the detachment. When the executioner held up her bloody head, the crowd gasped as she appeared to look around at them. Entertaining, indeed.
This story and so many others are told by the Beefeaters on a tour of the Tower of London. These legendary guards / tour guides are required to serve in the military for years before applying to become a Beefeater. They are then required to live on the grounds in this area, guarded in style.
Our guide had us laughing through the entire tour. If you go, be sure to join one of these tours to get a rounded picture of the history of the Tower.
One of the fascinating historical oddities to see are the ravens. The belief passed down the ages is that if the 6 ravens who live on the grounds die, the kingdom will fall. Charles II wrote a law that the ravens cannot be harmed. The birds’ wings are clipped and they reside in luxury here. Currently seven ravens live in the Tower grounds—six plus one spare, just in case. You can make a game of trying to spot all seven while you visit.
Today the Tower of London sits surrounded by modern glass skyscrapers in the heart of the city.
But step inside the gate and you will be transported back into time, century on century. Enjoy your visit, and remember not to pet those ravens.
If you go:
Open 9:30 to 4:30 Tuesday through Saturday; 10:00 to 4:30 Sunday and Monday
Underground station: Tower Hill
Visit Historic Royal Palaces for more information and for current ticket prices.
Where I stayed in London
I’m a repeat guest at the boutique Lime Tree Hotel in the Belgravia area of London. The hotel, recently remodeled, gives you elegance and comfort in a former townhome. And it’s in an upscale neighborhood but offers reasonable rates. You can easily walk to and from busy Victoria Station and also from convenient Sloan Square station. From these underground stations, you can basically get anywhere you want to go. Also, I’ve walked from the hotel to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Churchill War Rooms.
Add to those plusses a delicious breakfast at the Buttery and a garden out back where you can sit and relax after a hectic day in the city. You are across the street from tempting Peggy Porschen Cakes. For dinner near the Lime Tree, try Sicily Restaurant right around the corner. I’m a repeat customer here, too. The food and atmosphere are perfect.
The Lime Tree Hotel is quite a find!
Check out availability at the Lime Tree Hotel when you’re traveling to London. You will be pleased you did.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LONDON
Touring the Churchill War Rooms in London
Bletchley Park and the Codebreakers of WWII
Viewing and Visiting Westminster Abbey
London’s Battle of Britain Monument
Riding High on the London Eye
The Royal Air Force Museum of London
PIN IT FOR LATER! 
11 Comments
I really enjoyed this post! Wonderful images!
That was one of my favorite parts of our England trip years ago! You had a gorgeous day, too!
Great post!
Thanks for linking up with us at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/10/along-way.html
Some history behind those walls! Strange that kings and prisoners lived nex door…
Love.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
These photos are great!
Awesome photos of the tower. I loved the various angles at which you shot some of the photos. That was indeed a “gruesome” tale about Anne Boleyn. I also enjoyed the story about the Ravens.
Wow. What a great post and great pics. Very nice.
It is definitely one of the things that is worth spending the money on to go inside and see properly
mollyxxx
This architecture junkie is in love!
I thought the fact that they had to serve for, I think 20+ if I remember right, and then apply was very interesting. And, I had no idea that they still lived on grounds. Our tour guide made a funny joke about it being the best place to raise teenagers. My boy, who was 10 at the time was quite enamored with King Henry’s amour… if you saw it you can imagine why. 😀 Boys, they are silly.
Lisa @ LTTL