Features
Meet the Tower's most famous residents, the ominous ravens; read the story of the Crown Jewels - and then, of course, there are all those grisly executions...
A Place of Execution
Between 1388 and 1747, the Tower of London was a place of execution, where more than 130 men and women were killed by beheading. This was a quick, honourable death, unlike hanging, and was reserved for members of the nobility - usually for treason, which could simply mean upsetting the monarch.
The Ravens
A spot beside the Wakefield Tower, not far from Traitors’ Gate, is the home of perhaps the Tower’s most famous residents…
The Crown Jewels
Undoubtedly the most glittering attraction in the Tower of London is the Jewel House, containing the Crown Jewels. These consist of the regalia worn by the monarch at coronations, as well as works of magnificent church plate and items of tableware. All are open to public view, except when individual pieces are in use.
Beefeaters
They don’t produce the world-famous gin - and nowadays they probably eat less beef than the Tower of London’s resident ravens! But the Tower of London’s Beefeaters remain its worldwide symbol.
Tower Ghosts
It's not surprising that the Tower of London has the reputation of being one of the most haunted places in England. In its 900-year history it's been used as a prison, and the site of hundreds of gruesome executions from rich unfortunates to petty criminals (and the odd wife of Henry VIII). Some characters from history are said to still walk there…
Ten Things...
Think you know everything about the Tower? Let's see if we can surprise you...
