Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Tuesday 14th October 2008

Tower of London

London
EC3N 4AB

T: 020 7709 0765

W: Website »

The Tower of London. © Ron Hann - http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

HM Tower of London, one of the most famous buildings in the world, was constructed following the Norman conquest in the 11th century. The first buildings were the White Tower and its Norman chapel, which is the oldest church in London. During the next 400 years the garrison was rebuilt, altered and enlarged. The inner wall was then constructed and extended to include Traitor's Gate, Beauchamp and St. Thomas Towers. The Bloody Tower was added in the 14th century.

Some of The Tower's most famous residents are Lady Jane Grey - the nine day queen, the Princes in the Tower and two of Henry VIII's wives.

Clearly the most famous exhibit is The Crown Jewels; The Royal Armouries also display artefacts, including armours of Henry VIII, Charles I, Charles II and James II.

You can also stand on the execution site of three English Queens and talk to the wardens and beefeaters about some of the legends and myths associated with the Tower.

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