Tower Of London

Tower Of London

Would it still be a wonder why the Tower of London is considered as the country's leading historic tourist attraction? Founded almost one thousand years ago, this Central London dominating landmark is consistently found in every guest's itinerary throughout the years.

The Tower of London is frequently associated with the plain square fortress known as the White Tower, which was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. But the Tower of London is actually a set of buildings situated within defensive walls.

The Tower of London was originally built to serve as a royal castle and as a prison for royal prisoners and those who held high status. Thus, the expression "sent to the Tower" is used to mean "imprisoned".

The Tower of London has also been a venue for torture and execution, a treasury, an armory, a zoo, am office for public records, as well as an observatory. For centuries, ravens have considered it as their residence. It was not known when they exactly arrived but history tells us that Charles II ordered his men to remove ravens from the Tower when he found his telescope was full of the ravens' droppings. He was not successful in his plan to drive them out because of the legend that said of the entire Kingdom's fall when the ravens are asked to leave. And even if Charles II was not a superstitious person, he was not willing to take any chances.

Currently, eight ravens call the Tower of London their home. Their wings are clipped so that they won't have the means to fly away. All the eight ravens are under the care of the Ravenmaster, a task given to a Yeomen Warder.

The Tower of London has 36 Yeomen Warders, or more familiarly called as Beefeaters. They are the tower's ceremonial guardians who, in principle, have the duty of watching over prisoners and guarding the crown jewels. In practice, the Yeomen Warders act as the Tower of London tour guides. All 36 of them are retirees of the British Armed Forces, have served for not less than 22 years, and have held Sergeant Major ranks or higher.

With the Tower of London's interesting historical bits and pieces, it indeed deserves to be on everyone's itinerary. And with the wingless ravens parading around the tower, and Yeomen Warders (who are tourist attractions themselves) as tour guides, a visit to the Tower of London is definitely going to be one of the most memorable activities of your trip.