The Tower of London

Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress or the Tower of London, is an historic monument in central London, on the north bank of the River Thames. The Tower in fact is a complex of numerous buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat, but is often identified with the White Tower, the original stark square fortress built by William the Conqueror in 1078.

It function was a fortress, a royal palace and a prison, this last use has led to the phrase “sent to the Tower” (meaning “imprisoned”). It has served for numerous purposes: as a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a public records office, an observatory and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

Famous prisoners were held in the Tower of London; one of them Sir Walter Raleigh – he was held in the Bloody Tower for 13 years but made use of his time by writing The History of the World (published in 1614) and growing tobacco on Tower Green which was otherwise used to hold public executions including two of Henry VIII’s wives: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

The Tower of London initially was surrounded by defensive walls and a moat. The moat is now drained and in the summer there are concerts held here.

Opening times
1 March – 31 October (Last admission: 5pm)
Mon-Sun 9am– 6pm

1 November – 28 February (Last admission: 4pm)
mon-Sun 9am – 5pm

Entrance Fee
Please See our Travel desk for discounted prices

Location
Tower Hill

Distance from our London hostel

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You can purchase discounted and fast track tickets from the Travel Desk

Or contact the team on travelshop@generatorhostels.com or 020 7388 7655 for more information

See our Tower of London review from Generator Staff

More staff reviews on other famous London sights popular London attraction reviews

Not to forget the Free London walking Tour from our London hostel