Where: The
Tower of London, Tower Hill, EC3
What:
William
the Conqueror, after his victory in the battle of Hastings in 1066,
was crowned King and made London his main home. He began building
a new castle at the watergate on the western edge of the city wall
in 1068, not only to observe and intimidate the most important city
in his new realm, but also to protect it. This castle was expanded
by later kings until it became what we now call the tower of london.
The Tower
of London acted as the royal residence and, during the medieval
period, it was also a royal mint, the treasury, and it housed
the beginnings of a zoo. It was not until
much later (in tudor times) that it became a famous prison.
Rich in
history, it
is most famous for its lurid and murderous past. This vast,
imposing brick building has been the site of many bloody
events, including the murder of future kings, the beheadings
of queens and the incarceration, torture (confession) and beheading
of many historical figures. It was even used as a prison for
German
spies during the second world war.
Children
in particular love the stories told by Beefeater guides on
their regular free tours (well, free after you have paid to
enter), and viewing the famous Crown Jewels.
This
is one
of London's most interesting attractions and there is lots
to
see and do,
so go early as it will take most of a day to do
it justice.
Nearest
underground station: Tower
Hill
Admission:
(2005)
Adult
£14.50, children 5 - 15 £9.50, children under 5 free,
family tickets (2 adults and 3 children) £42.00, student (with
ID) and senior citizen 60+ £11.00
See
our pages on: tower
bridge and
the ceremony
of the keys
London
Hotels (these links are to another website)