London Airport Transfers
Tower of London
Tower of London
Built under the reign of William I, the Tower of London is a huge fortification that has functioned throughout its history as royal residence, arsenal, fortress and prison.
For over 900 years the Tower of London was synonymous with terror because it was the place where all those who offended the monarch were locked up. Most of the prisoners lived in appalling conditions and did not come alive, or were tortured before being executed at nearby Tower Hill.
There were many prominent figures who had the misfortune to suffer among the walls of the Tower of London, including some overthrown kings, aristocrats and clerics accused of treason. Some of the most prominent figures among those executed in the Green Tower were Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Jane Gray, Baron William Hastings, or the thinker and writer Thomas More.
What to see in the Tower of London
- The Crown Jewels: Composed of crowns, swords and scepters of incalculable value as much material as historical and religious, the collection of the Crown Jewels is one of the attractions preferred by the visitors.
- The White Tower: Known as the Tower of London, it is the central and oldest building of the Tower of London, in addition to which it gives name to the fortification. Built between 1078 and 1100, the White Tower has functioned as a royal residence, armory and prison.
- Ravens: Ravens are the most famous residents of the Tower of London. According to legend, if the crows disappeared the tower would collapse, and with it the kingdom. In order to avoid such a catastrophe, one of the guards who protect the tower, known as Ravenmaster (Ravenmaster), takes care of the crows and cuts off the ends of one of the wings to prevent them from escaping.
- Medieval Palace (Medieval Palace): Besides being an imposing fortress, the tower also constituted a comfortable home for the members of the royalty. In the area of the Medieval Palace there are still some remains of the furniture that show the luxury and the opulence that in its day reigned in the tower.
- Chapel Royal of St. Peter and Vincula: Built in 1520, the chapel of the tower is the place where the remains of the most famous prisoners who were executed in the tower are preserved. Today the chapel continues to be the place of prayer for the more than 150 people who live in the tower.
