Everything You Need to Know About: The Tower of London

It’s also one of the most historic, with a long, bloody history that dates back almost a thousand years. Our handy FAQ guide can help you discover more about the history of this medieval fortress and infamous former prison.

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Who built the Tower of London?

The first structures of what would later become The Tower of London were built by William the Conqueror following his conquest of England in 1066. Over the next 250 years, the fortress underwent several expansion phases under various English kings.

What was the Tower of London used for?

The Tower has been used and repurposed to fulfil many roles throughout its long history. In its early history, it was a grand royal palace. Later, it was used as a fortress and prison, a place of execution, an arsenal, a royal mint, and a menagerie (or zoo), and it is currently home to the priceless Crown Jewels of England.

Who lives in the Tower of London?

The Tower is home to 37 Yeoman Warders, a body of men and women drawn from the British military who must have recorded at least 22 years of active service. Nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’, they have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times. It’s also home to the famous Tower Ravens, whose departure would, according to legend, herald the ‘fall of the kingdom’ if they ever flew away.

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