London Borough of Tower Hamlets, United Kingdom

Tower of London

London Borough of Tower Hamlets, United Kingdom

Freely accessible

Public space — no opening hours to check.

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Wheelchair access: Accessible

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A historic citadel on the north bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the Tower of London was founded in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, built by William the Conqueror in 1078, anchors a complex of buildings within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. Constructed from Reigate stone, rag-stone, mudstone, and Caen stone, the fortress underwent major expansion in the 12th and 13th centuries under Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I. Initially a grand royal palace, the Tower later served multiple functions: armoury, treasury, menagerie, home of the Royal Mint, and repository of the Crown Jewels. From the early 14th through 17th centuries, monarchs traditionally spent nights here before their coronation processions to Westminster Abbey. The Tower's role as a prison reached its zenith in the 16th and 17th centuries, housing notable figures including the future Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh. Now a World Heritage Site and scheduled monument, it operates as a museum and archaeological site.