Tower of London

One may argue about what is probably London's most important attraction, but the Tower of London should always be among the closest contenders. The Crown Jewels it houses are too beautiful, and its history too memorable.

Anyone who brings time for the Tower of London on their visit to London should arrive at the Tower entrance as early as possible. Arriving promptly at 9 AM (Monday and Sunday 10 AM), you can best get ahead of the tourist crowds. Getting up early is definitely more than justified by the sight of the Tower's most important exhibits: the British Crown Jewels.

The British Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels are housed in the so-called Jewel House and represent the world's largest jewelry collection. Archive material about Queen Elizabeth's coronation puts visitors in the right mood beforehand, before the Imperial State Crown, the most overwhelming piece of the collection, can be examined. 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, eleven emeralds, five rubies, and 273 pearls adorn the crown, which is worn by the Queen for the ceremonial opening of Parliament in October or November.

Furthermore, there is the world's largest cut diamond to be seen in the Tower of London. It adorns the Sovereign's Sceptre and bears the name Cullinan I.

The Koh-i-Noor diamond is located on the only platinum crown in the collection, which belonged to Queen Mother Elizabeth. This diamond was used exclusively for women's crowns, as it is supposed to bring misfortune to men. Via the Salt Tower, you reach the Martin Tower, where all the stories surrounding the Crown Jewels are presented.

Tower Green

As idyllic as this place lies and as peaceful as its location is, it was the execution site for high-ranking personalities. The most famous executions on Tower Green were those of Henry VIII's second and fifth wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Less important personalities were executed on nearby Tower Hill, with the ax and block being displayed in the White Tower.

The White Tower

Construction of the most striking and oldest part of the Tower of London began as early as 1078 - the White Tower. The showpiece of the White Tower, unchanged for over 900 years, is the unsurpassed weapons collection, including Henry VIII's personal weapons. Small armor made especially for boys can also be examined in this section of the castle.

Also worth seeing is the first floor of St. John's Chapel, whose furnishings are among the oldest preserved in England. Those who are already there should not miss the so-called "garderobes", toilets from the 11th century.

The Bloody Tower

The Bloody Tower got its name from the "Princes in the Tower". King Edward IV's sons, Edward and Richard, were housed in the Tower after his death under the "protection" of their uncle Richard. However, the two heirs to the throne then mysteriously disappeared, a circumstance that enabled their uncle to ascend the throne as King Richard III. 200 years later, two children's bodies were found, which in all likelihood are the two princes.

Another famous inmate of the Bloody Tower was the scientist and philosopher Sir Walter Raleigh, who was held here for treason by James I between 1603 and 1616.

The Medieval Palace

Adjacent to the infamous "Traitor's Gate", which many prisoners had to pass through upon their arrival from the river, lies the entrance to the medieval palace.

Costumed guides tell tourists here about life during the time of Edward I, who ruled from 1272 to 1307. The medieval palace is furnished as it might have looked during that time of rule. Those in the palace should definitely walk the Wall Walk along the south side of the Tower, as it offers an excellent view of Tower Bridge.

The Beefeaters

The so-called Beefeaters also belong to the castle's "inventory." These are costumed guards of the Tower who officially bear the name "Yeoman Warders." The total of 38 Beefeaters, all veteran soldiers, perform ceremonial duties inside and outside the Tower and serve as contact persons and guides for tourists.

Legends

As is common with medieval structures, countless stories and legends also surround the Tower of London. One of them tells of the ravens in the Tower. King Charles II wanted to drive the birds from the Tower but was warned that this would bring about the end of the kingdom. Since then, the Tower's ravens have been cared for and tended - only one wing is clipped to prevent them from flying away.

The Tower of London was commissioned as early as 1066 by William the Conqueror and served for more than 900 years as a palace, place of execution, prison, armory, treasury, and royal mint.

The original purpose was the fortification and protection of William the Conqueror from the potentially rebellious and dangerous London population. The Tower of London was largely built in the Middle Ages and only expanded and extended with some towers in the following centuries. Only in the 19th century was there a redesign in the neo-Gothic style, during which buildings within the walls were also demolished.

However, the character of a fortress has been maintained to this day. Meanwhile, the Tower of London serves as a museum and exhibition space for the famous British Crown Jewels. In 1988, UNESCO declared the Tower of London a World Heritage Site. It is currently owned by the British Crown and is managed by Historic Royal Palaces.

The Tower of London is located directly on the banks of the Thames on Tower Hill street, where the tube station of the same name is also located. The station is part of the Circle (yellow line) and District Line (green line).

The distinctive Tower Bridge is a good reference point for pedestrians, as the Tower of London is located on the north side of the bridge.