What Is Inside the Tower of London?

By Michael Ferguson

Welcome to the Tower of London! This historic fortress is an iconic landmark of London and has been a central part of the city’s history for over 900 years.

The Tower has served many purposes throughout its long history, from a royal palace to a prison and even a zoo. But what exactly is inside the Tower of London today? Let’s take a closer look.

The White Tower

The White Tower is perhaps the most famous part of the Tower of London. This massive stone tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and served as a royal palace for many years. Today, visitors can explore the interior of the White Tower and see exhibits on its history and use.

One highlight of the White Tower is the 900-year-old armor worn by King Henry VIII. The armor is massive, weighing over 100 pounds, and gives visitors a sense of just how imposing Henry must have been in battle.

The Crown Jewels

Another must-see attraction inside the Tower of London is the Crown Jewels. These priceless treasures are kept in a special exhibit within the Tower and include crowns, scepters, and other regalia used by British monarchs throughout history.

Visitors can see some truly stunning pieces in this exhibit, including the Imperial State Crown which is set with over 3,000 precious stones including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls.

The Ravens

The ravens that live within the walls of the Tower are one of its most famous features. Legend has it that if these birds ever leave the grounds of the Tower then both it and Britain will fall. As such, they are carefully tended to by Yeomen Warders who feed them meat every day and keep them healthy.

The Medieval Palace

The Medieval Palace within the grounds of the Tower of London is another fascinating attraction. This area includes a restored medieval hall where visitors can see what life was like in the Tower during the 13th century.

One highlight of the Medieval Palace is the beautifully decorated St. Thomas’s Tower, which features intricate carvings and painted ceilings.

The Royal Mint

The Royal Mint was located within the walls of the Tower for over 500 years until it moved to a new location in 1810. Today, visitors can explore a museum exhibit on the history of British coinage and see examples of coins minted at the Tower throughout history.

The Beauchamp Tower

For many years, political prisoners were held in the Beauchamp Tower within the walls of the Tower of London. Today, visitors can see graffiti left behind by these prisoners on the walls of their cells.

These are just some of the many fascinating things you can see inside the Tower of London. With its long and varied history, there is always something new to discover at this iconic landmark.