Tower of London
While not technically a tower, the Tower of London is actually a combination of buildings along the River Thames whose foundations were first laid in 1078. Since that time, the Tower of London has served as a residential palace, fortress, royal mint, bank, library, arsenal, and most infamously as a prison.  The Tower is home to the White Tower, the Jewel House, the Chapel of St. John, and Traitors Gate. 

Fun Facts

• The guards at the Tower are called Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, who traditionally had the chief occupation of protecting the king's food.


• It is said that if the eight ravens who live in the castle ever leave, the kingdom will fall.


• The royal prisoners got royal treatment and served their time in relative comfort, with servants in tow.

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Tower of London

Tower of London, seen from the river, with a view of Traitors Gate, created by Viki Male, September 17, 2003