William the Conqueror of Normandy ordered the White Tower to be constructed in 1078. The White Tower was an imposing, square-shaped fortress. Both to protect Londoners and Normans, the White Tower was constructed to guard the City of London. Caen stones imported from France were used to construct the Tower. You can get the best Tower of London Tour on our place.

Richard the Lionheart enclose the Tower using a curtain wall in the 12th-century. A moat was dug to surround it, and the water filled from the Thames. Henry III enhanced the curtain walls and Edward I added an outer curtain to form a concentric defence. Oliver Cromwell razed the tower’s old buildings, which were palatial in nature.

For centuries, Ravens are also associated with London’s Tower Of London. The Tower of London has been home to at least six Ravens since the 12th-13th centuries. Charles II allegedly ordered the ravens’ removal after receiving complaints from Royal Astronomer John Flamsteed. Charles II did not remove the birds because of a legend that stated if they ever left the Tower then the monarchy as well as the whole Kingdom would collapse. Charles did not take the chance after the English Civil War.

Tower of London, apart from being home to the Crown Jewels in the 14th century and a prison for high ranking religious dissidents was perhaps its most notable use over the centuries. Ranulf Flambard the bishop of Durham was held as a prisoner for the first time in 1100, after he was found to have committed extortion. Henry VI of England and Guy Fawkes were also famous prisoners. Rudolph Hess (the deputy leader Nazi party) was the very last State prisoner in 1941. The Tower was also home to various torture chambers. Many public executions were held on the Tower grounds, including some of Henry’s Eighth’s wife.