What Makes the Tower of London Special? The Secrets of the London Tower
If we told you about a place with nearly a thousand years of history, a bloody past, home to ravens, a setting for conspiracies, coronations, legends, and even ghosts… would you think we were talking about a fairy tale? Think again! The Tower of London is all this and more — and we’re here to explain exactly what makes it so special.
The Origin of the Tower of London
The Tower of London was built by order of William the Conqueror in 1066, shortly after the Norman conquest of England. The main goal was to establish a strategic control point over London while projecting power and authority. The famous White Tower, the oldest part of the complex, was completed around 1078 and quickly became a symbol of Norman dominance.
Since then, the Tower of London has witnessed major events such as the executions of Anne Boleyn and Thomas More, and has played a central role in the power struggles of the English monarchy. Its strategic position in the heart of the capital, next to the River Thames, and its imposing architecture made it a key political and military stronghold for centuries — even serving as a base during the World Wars.
Tower Bridge: A Victorian Engineering Marvel Beside the London Tower
Right next to the iconic Tower of London stands Tower Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in the world. Tower Bridge is a true marvel of Victorian engineering, inaugurated in 1894. Its Gothic design was chosen to visually harmonize with the Tower of London, reinforcing the monumental aesthetic of the area.
One of the most fascinating features of Tower Bridge is that its central section opens up to 1,000 times a year to allow tall ships to pass along the River Thames. The bridge also houses an internal exhibition and glass walkways offering an unbeatable panoramic view of London and the Tower itself.
The Tower’s Many Uses Over Time
Royal Armoury
Since the Middle Ages, the Tower housed an extensive collection of weapons. It was the storage site for arms needed to defend the kingdom and later transformed into a museum showcasing England’s military might. Today, the Royal Armouries still exhibit swords, armor, and stunning historical artifacts.
Royal Treasury
For centuries, the Tower was the storage site for the monarch’s treasure. This meant not only guarding wealth but also managing the kingdom’s financial resources. It was the financial heart of the realm.
Royal Menagerie
One of the lesser-known facts about the Tower is that for over 600 years it was home to a collection of exotic animals — gifts from ambassadors and foreign monarchs. Lions, polar bears, and elephants lived here until the 19th century, when they were moved to the London Zoo.
Royal Mint
From the 13th century to the early 19th century, the Royal Mint operated within the Tower. Official coins of the realm were struck here, making the Tower not just a treasure vault but also the place where wealth was created.
Public Records Office
During the medieval period, the Tower also served administrative purposes, acting as a storage site for key records, including treaties, laws, and legal documents.
Home of the Crown Jewels
Undoubtedly one of the Tower’s most famous roles today is housing the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. This priceless collection includes crowns, sceptres, and ceremonial swords used in coronations and official events. Guarded under tight security, the Jewels are a major tourist attraction. If you want to see them up close, we recommend booking your Tower of London tickets in advance.
The Tower Ravens: Guardians of the Realm
One of the most intriguing legends surrounding the Tower involves its most unusual residents: the ravens. According to tradition, if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the Crown will fall and so will the United Kingdom. For this reason, at least six ravens are always kept on site under the care of the Ravenmaster.
These birds are not only a charming attraction but also a symbol of the monarchy’s continuity. They are lovingly cared for — each has a name, a routine, and a strict diet. Despite the legend, the current ravens have their wings slightly clipped to prevent them from flying away.
The Tower Guardians: The Beefeaters
Officially known as Yeoman Warders, the Beefeaters are the iconic guards of the Tower of London. Their traditional, ceremonial attire has become a symbol of the site. While today they also serve as tour guides, all Beefeaters are veterans of the British Armed Forces with at least 22 years of service and notable commendations.
In addition to their security duties, Beefeaters are living storytellers of the Tower’s history. They know every corner, legend, and ghost that haunts its ancient walls.
The Ceremony of the Keys: An Unbroken Tradition
Every night at exactly 9:53 PM, the Ceremony of the Keys takes place at the Tower — a ritual that has occurred every day for over 700 years, without interruption, not even during the Second World War.
During this solemn event, the Chief Yeoman Warder locks the main gates and symbolically hands the keys over to the Governor. The ceremony is brief but rich in tradition, and only a limited number of visitors can attend each evening with a prior reservation.
Ghosts of the Tower: Is It Haunted?
The Tower’s dark past has sparked numerous ghost stories. It is said that the spirits of Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey still roam its corridors. Reports of apparitions, strange noises, and unexplainable phenomena have made the Tower one of the most haunted places in the UK.
Over the centuries, wardens, soldiers, and visitors have all reported paranormal activity. Among the most feared areas are the Bloody Tower and the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, where the remains of executed nobles lie buried.
London Tower: A Visit You Won’t Forget
The Tower of London and Tower Bridge are not just tourist attractions — they are places filled with tradition, engineering marvels, and enduring mystery. We invite you to plan your visit in advance by securing your Tower of London tickets. Live an unforgettable adventure through history!