The Tower of London stands as a powerful symbol of British history. William the Conqueror built this fortress to assert his dominance over the city. Furthermore, it served as a palace, a prison, and even a zoo for centuries. Consequently, millions of tourists visit the site every year to see the Crown Jewels. Explore these fascinating details about this historic landmark.
Tower of London
Legend states that the kingdom will fall if the ravens ever leave the Tower. Therefore, the Ravenmaster keeps at least six birds on the grounds at all times to prevent this disaster.
Norwegian King Haakon IV gifted a polar bear to Henry III in the 13th century. Amazingly, the bear swam in the River Thames on a long leash to catch fish for its dinner.
The Kray twins were the last official prisoners held at the Tower in 1952. Specifically, the military detained the famous gangsters for a few days because they deserted their national service.
Colonel Thomas Blood attempted to steal the Crown Jewels in 1671. Surprisingly, King Charles II pardoned him and gave him land instead of executing him for the audacious crime.
Yeoman Warders, or “Beefeaters,” actually live inside the fortress walls with their families. Thus, they get to enjoy an exclusive pub called “The Keys” that no public visitors can enter.
The complex served as the Royal Mint for over 500 years. Workers produced the majority of the country’s coins here until the operation moved to a larger facility in 1810.
Anne Boleyn died on Tower Green rather than the public execution site at Tower Hill. Henry VIII granted her this small mercy to ensure her privacy during her final moments.
A firing squad executed German spy Josef Jakobs here in 1941. He remains the last person put to death within the Tower walls, ending a long history of executions.
The Ceremony of the Keys has taken place every night for over 700 years. Soldiers lock the outer gates at exactly 9:53 PM, regardless of wars, plagues, or fires.
Scientists found the skeletons of two children under a staircase in the White Tower. Historians widely believe these bones belong to the “Princes in the Tower” who vanished mysteriously in 1483.
A raven named George lost his job for bad behavior. The Tower dismissed him because he developed a habit of eating television aerials and destroying car parts.
The White Tower was the tallest building in London when William constructed it. Consequently, it dominated the skyline and struck fear into the hearts of the local population.
It housed the Royal Menagerie for six centuries before the London Zoo opened. Kings kept lions, elephants, and kangaroos here as symbols of their reach and power.
Locals often report seeing the ghost of Anne Boleyn near the White Tower. Terrifyingly, witnesses claim she walks around carrying her severed head underneath her arm.
Finally, the full official name is “His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London.” However, almost everyone simply calls it the Tower for brevity.
