Tower of London Reviews (London, England)

To The Tower Part 2

London, England, United Kingdom

May 7, 2013

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A continuation of my experience at the Tower of London..THE TOWER AS A PRISONThe area around Tower Green is where you will learn the history of those who have been imprisoned in the Tower at various times (and for various crimes). The Green is ...Read more A continuation of my experience at the Tower of London..

THE TOWER AS A PRISON
The area around Tower Green is where you will learn the history of those who have been imprisoned in the Tower at various times (and for various crimes). The Green is situated to the West of the White Tower and ten people (three of which were English Queens: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey) were executed here on various spots - the scaffold was erected specially, it didn’t remain here as most people who were executed on Royal orders were beheaded publically on Tower Hill, or elsewhere. There is a memorial to all ten here, and you can read the names and dates. The last three were soldiers shot for mutiny in 1743.
The first prisoner here was in 1100, and he was incarcerated in the White Tower. Beauchamp Tower off the Green can be visited, and although not a purpose built prison, housed various prisoners from the 14th Century onwards and some of the prisoners’ graffiti is here and visible. A lot of Catholic priests and other potentially influential Catholics were imprisoned here under the reign of Elizabeth I to keep them in line. From here, walk towards the river and the Lower Wakefield Tower where there is a small exhibition of torture in the Tower. This may not be suitable for some younger visitors as it is gruesome by its very nature. Only some of the prisoners in the whole of the Tower were ever tortured, and the exhibition contains replica torture equipment alongside descriptions of how they were used.
Nearby is the Bloody Tower (possibly previously the Garden Tower) which was so named because of it has been alleged (but unproven) that this was the site of the prison and murder of the two young princes (Edward V and his brother Richard). There is a room dedicated to them upstairs in this building where you can read about the case and the possible guilty parties and cast your vote (most still think Dicky III was the guilty party). Sir Walter Ralegh was also imprisoned here (for marrying one of Elizabeth I’s ladies-in-waiting without the Queens’ permission) and he would have been kept in some comfort. His room can be seen downstairs in the tower.
THE CHAPEL
The Chapel of St Peter and Vincula is across Tower Green from the Bloody Tower. Although founded in the 12th century, the current chapel is 500 years old. It is still used by the Yeoman Warders and their families. You can only access it on a Yeoman Warder tour (at the front gate) or after 4.30pm. Many prisoners executed here and on Tower Hill have been buried here. Our Warder told us that 1500 bodies were found, and that they have identified some of the significant ones which are buried ‘somewhere’ under the alter area such as the former Queens. You cannot take photos here.
THE WHITE TOWER
This is the iconic building you see so often in photographs of the Tower, and whilst it is the most significant (in that it was latter day Royal apartments, I was surprised how much there was in the whole complex, so obviously I was very much looking forward to going in here, and we left it until last. This Norman building was built partly as a fortress, partly as a Royal home and partly as a place for ceremonial functions) and is open plan, with two massive rooms on each floor, and a basement. A higher floor was added in the15th century. Inside you will see a lot of armour and arms such as a 7 foot sword of Henry V and Henry VIII’s armour, with large codpiece. There are also a number of models of kings and their horses (called Line of Kings) from the seventeenth century, Henry VIII was the fattest by far, with the largest horse. There are also armour suitable for a dwarf and a giant.
I the upper floors are not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs, as you can only access the other floors by stairs. The first floor was likely to be the royal apartments with the private and attractive St John’s chapel located in one corner. Today the upper floors show the building’s history as well as further armour and weaponry, there are also coins, ordinance survey maps (the head office was at the Tower for many years) and some interactive games for kids (including the big ones!). At the top is also a massive dragon using 2500 items that are replicas from each area/department that is represented here.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Within the Tower complex is the Fusiliers Museum. The Royal Regiment of the Fusiliers has its HQ at the Tower of London, so this is an additional free museum. It is only a small museum and features personal items used and worn by members of this regiment and various conflicts. Each war has its own display case explaining the history of the war, the weapons used etc. There are also a number of bios of heroes. Wars featured range from the Napoleonic Wars to the Crimea up to Iraq and Afghanistan. I have no real interest in military history but the museum was succinct and clear in its presentation. There is a whole room full of drawers of medals, but with no information. I would have liked to know what these medals were for. The museum should only take you about 15-30 minutes depending on the level of interest.
FOOD, GIFTS & FACILITIES
There are about five gift shops here, four within the grounds and one outside next to the Welcome Centre. It is worth noting that they all sell different things. I bought a pretty bracelet in the Jewel Shop (£25) but the prices vary from. There are some premium gifts like jewellery, cuff-links, cushions, scarves and china, as well as simple things like postcards, pencils and novelties. Plenty of books are available, as well as children’s gifts such as games, books, cuddly toys and costumes. Shops were well-staffed and the staff seemed to be friendly and helpful based on my interaction with them.
We ate in a sit down self-service cafeteria type restaurant called The New Armouries café, that offered a good range of food: hot meat, fish and vegetarian dishes were available. I had a vegetable and goats cheese pie with two vegetable sides (they were about 6-8 to choose from including chips, cauliflower cheese, new potatoes and a simple vegetable medley) for £8.95. My friend had a pasty. They also did cakes, sandwiches, crisps, sweets and had an interesting salad /bar. There were also a number of kiosks/carts selling drinks, ice creams and little snacks, as well as a little coffee shop with outside seating by the South Lawn. I believe food service stops about an hour or so before closure but that may depend on how busy the day was.
There are about three sets of toilets around the complex, although we only visited the ones behind the Waterloo Block (by the exit for the Crown Jewels). They are not particularly modern, but were clean and well-stocked with paper and hand dryers. I believe there are a number of disabled toilets and baby changing facilities around too.
SUMMARY
I hope that my review of my day at the Tower has given you an insight into what is here and can help potential visitors plan their day. I had an absolutely brilliant day and, although tiring, it was worthwhile. The Tower is informative and interesting with it, and I think it is well worth a visit. The website said allow 2-3 hours, but we were here for six! Obviously if you were coming with younger visitors, you may prefer to see less things, but there are lots of games you can play with them such as counting the soldier sculptures or spotting the animals. Admittedly I didn’t see a lot of younger visitors here, as it may be too much for really young ones to take in. However it is a super day out.

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From journal Historic Royal Palaces

Sent to The Tower

by Essexgirl09

London, England, United Kingdom

May 7, 2013

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Best of IgoUgo There is too much to say about this place in one review, so please also checkout part 2I am a very lucky girl. My friend knows I love history, particularly that of the royals so for my birthday bought me an annual pass to the Historic Royal ...Read more

From journal Historic Royal Palaces

Triumph, Terror and Tourists

by two cruisers

Ames, Iowa

March 11, 2012

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Best of IgoUgo William the Conqueror celebrated his triumph (1066) by starting the series of buildings that became known as The Tower of London. My preconcieved vision of this place was based on many old black and white movies I watched at a child...dark, wet and ...Read more William the Conqueror celebrated his triumph (1066) by starting the series of buildings that became known as The Tower of London. My preconcieved vision of this place was based on many old black and white movies I watched at a child...dark, wet and scarey. Surprise! The buildings are really built of white materials and one of the main sections is even called The White Tower. Over the centuries this place did take on the reputation for terror. Two little Princes who should have inheirited the crown, went missing while staying here. Two of Henry the VIII's wives lost their heads here. Lady Jane Grey also died here of head displacement. This was a stop on our whole city tour. I strongly advise that you come here on your own time schedule. And bring along a snack. We stood in line for a very long time to see the crown jewels. Glad I got to see them, the amount of gold and precious stones was startling, giving them a not quite real look. There is a moving sidewalk in front of the cases of jewels to keep the crowd moving at a steady pace. Be prepared to pay full attention, there are no do-overs. One advantage to being on a guided tour was that our guide was buddy-buddy with one of the Beefeaters. This Royal guard walked along with us and chatted for awhile. We also learned about The Ravens. These seven birds are attached to a legend. It says that if these birds desert the Tower, the kingdom will fall. That explains why the poor birdies all have one clipped wing. They aren't going anywhere! We weren't allowed enough time to visit any of the other historic buildings in the complex, but at least had 20 minutes to shop and make the long walk back to the bus parking. When we entered the building we could look down on the Traitor's gate. Boats would bring in prisoners by this entrance. If a person entered this way, they rarely left. Looking downriver we could see the magnificent Tower Bridge. Yes, I would come back here spending much more time with a side trip to the bridge. Close

From journal Three Friends Tour London

Tower of London

by Joy S

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

April 23, 2011

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Best of IgoUgo This is London's original royal fortress by the Thames. It is over 900 years old and contains the Crown Jewels. It is guarded by Beefeaters or Yeomen of the Guard as they are formally known and is a World Heritage site. It is also considered by ...Read more

From journal 4 Days in London

A must-see attraction in England

by happysh2009

Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom

December 17, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo The Tower of London is described as the heart and soul of England. The official name of The Tower of London is Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, but it is more commonly known as the Tower of London and historically as The Tower. The Tower of ...Read more

From journal 2011 Journal 1

An Iconic Fortress and Must See Attraction

by Cindy Grant

Petersburg, Virginia

October 16, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo The Tower of London was first built in the early 1080's by William the Conqueror, and was added to by countless monarchs. The White Tower was built first, followed by St. Thomas's Tower, and Tower Wharf. There are many must sees here:The White ...Read more

From journal Ghostour

The Tower of London------Kings, Queens and Queues(2)

by happysh2009

Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom

August 27, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo (6) White TowerLeaving Crown Jewels and walking downwards, right in the centre of the Tower, there is a high stone building, well known as White Tower due the colour. It is one of the oldest remaining parts in the Tower and was built for William The ...Read more

From journal big attractions around Kent and London

The Tower of London------Kings, Queens and Queues(1)

by happysh2009

Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom

August 27, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo The Tower of London is considered to be a must-see attraction when visiting London. Although I have visited London regularly over the last 3 years Sunday, 30 May was my first chance to see this famous site.Brief history:The Tower of London is ...Read more

From journal big attractions around Kent and London

Fabulous History!

by ns1209

Southend, United Kingdom

April 2, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo The Tower of London is one of the most famous London attractions and a very popular one too. It is a historic fortress and the nearest tube stop is Tower Hill. It is easily accessible from all parts of London. It was actually used as a prison for ...Read more

From journal More to do in London

London's Most Famous Tower

by airynfaerie

St. Augustine, Florida

March 19, 2010

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During a quick weekend trip to London, we were able to see some of the main sites around this large city. One of the famous and more historic sites of London is the Tower of London.Not really a tower, but more of an entire fortress structure, the ...Read more During a quick weekend trip to London, we were able to see some of the main sites around this large city. One of the famous and more historic sites of London is the Tower of London.Not really a tower, but more of an entire fortress structure, the Tower is rich in history and intrigue.

More formally titled "Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress", which to me is a bit more descriptive, the Tower is located on the north bank of the Thames River on the eastern side of the city. Propped on Tower HIll, this area is also quite well-known for the Tower Bridge that crosses right at the heart of the fortress. The Tower Bridge is the iconic bridge that many people wrongly call the London Bridge (which is a few bridges to the west).

The first structure to be built on the grounds was the White Tower,built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. Throughout the next few centuries more and more buildings were added, and the main use of the entire "Tower" was a fortress, palace, and prison. It appears as a stereotypical castle with the stone plain exterior,various towers, and variegated upper walls. There was a moat that encircles the entire place which is now dry, and a stone bridge.

Today the Tower is mainly a tourist attraction, and a wonderful example of early English architecture. The historic stories one can learn about this place are unending. The galleries here now hold the British Crown Jewels, a huge collection of weapons from the Royal Armories collection, and a piece of the Roman fortress. Many of the species of animals at the London Zoo came from the Tower's Royal Menagerie established in the 13th century which kept many exotic animals.

Be sure to get a photo with one of the famously dressed-in-red Beefeaters who guard the tower and today act more as tour guides. See the Traitors Gate where many famous dignitaries entered, like Anne Boleyn. Learn about the many trials, executions, and tortures that took place here, as well as maybe catch a glimpse of the ghosts that are said to wander the halls still.

Definitely one of the most historic and fascinating places in London in my opinion. Don't miss getting to walk through history.

• http://www.hrp.org.uk/Toweroflondon/
• Tower Hill,EC3N 4 London
• 0844 482 7777
• Open Tu-Sa 9am-5:30pm, Su-Mo 10am-5:30pm
• Admission £17.00 (discounts for children, groups, families) Close

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