Top 10 Facts About The Tower of London

Top 10 Facts About The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historical castle found in central London, and had various functions in British History- it was the Royal Palace, was a fortress, prison, place of execution, arsenal, Royal Mint, Royal Zoo, and jewel house. These functions are aptly nicknamed, each with its own story to tell.

The Tower of London is currently one of England’s most popular tourist attractions. Delve into the top 10 facts about the Tower of London to find out why.

1. The Tower of London was used as a prison

View of Tower of London from Thames River- by Bob Collowân- Wikimedia Commons

The term ‘sent to the tower’ in London does not simply mean exactly that in the literal sense. It may mean going to prison! The Tower of London wasn’t built as, or meant to be a prison but had many people incarcerated there on suspicion of treason or for religious reasons.

Its first guest was Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham. He however escaped through the window using rope smuggled to him. Sir Walter Raleigh was also imprisoned here thrice.

The tower had the capacity to offer comfort to influential prisoners, while the commoners or prisoners suspected of treason had it far much worse in their captivity. Torture and execution were commonplace in the prison.

2. Ravens are kept at the Tower of London for superstitious reasons

Ravens at the Tower of London- by Norppa- Wikimedia Commons

It is reported that at least 6 ravens are kept at the Tower of London at all times. One of each of the ravens’ wings is clipped to ensure that they don’t wander too far off. The ravens must stay at the Tower of London as their presence is said to protect the tower and the crown.

3. The Tower of London is said to be haunted

Tower bridge- by CGP Grey- Wikimedia Commons

Carrying on with the superstitious streak is the fact that the Tower of London is apparently haunted. With the gruesome and often tragic history of its prisoners, this is not very surprising.

Several ghosts are said to be residents at the Tower of London, most of them are people that were executed such as Henry VI and Catherine (the fifth wife of King Henry VIII).

The Tower of London is ranked the most haunted building in England and today, there are tours specifically for ‘ghostbusting’ at the Tower of London.

4. The tower of London hosted a zoo

Sculptures at the Tower of London- by Mark Ahsmann- Wikimedia Commons

The first zoo in London was located at the Tower of London, and was active for 600 years!

Here you would find exotic animals such as elephants, polar bears, lions, kangaroos, and ostriches. Some of these animals were given as royal presents- three leopards gifted to Henry III in 1235 by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II actually inspired the creation of the zoo at the tower.

The animals were later moved to the new London Zoo in Regent’s Park when the Tower of London Zoo closed down.

5. The Tower of London was built as a defense system and royal palace

Tower of London main entrance-by dynamosquito- Wikimedia Commons

William the Conqueror built the Tower of London to have as his fortress. Simply a place to stay and keep safe as well. The tower was very well done and was soon used for the purposes of keeping away intruders as well as keeping those it wanted in, right there.

The Tower was besieged many times but was never captured. Its stature would not allow this.

6. The Tower of London was damaged at World War two

The Tower of London is quite a sturdy building. It wasn’t damaged until World War II in which the castle, and not the white tower, was damaged during the bombings of London. This prompted its closing to the public.

The damage was fixed when World War II ended, and the Tower was once again opened for public visits.

7. The Tower of London is a World Heritage Site

Not many medieval structures that make it to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list still have semblance of their former glory. The Tower of London was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the few such buildings that is still relatively intact and has withstood the test of time.

8. The Tower of London housed a money mint

Queen Elizabeth sixpence- by NumisAntica- Wikimedia Commons

The Tower of London hosted England’s money mint for at least 500 years. The Tower made coin money, first by hand then later machine cut. Coin making was an arduous process and noisy too, which earned the street in the area in which it’s located the name Mint Street.

Just like today where it is a crime, tampering with coins was treason punishable in a horrific manner as this was the medieval era. Most thieves and forgers were therefore reluctant to forge or steal the silver from the coins.

The money mint relocated in the 1800s.

9. The Tower of London upholds the Keeper of the Keys ceremony

Keeper of Keys ceremony- by NumisAntica- Wikimedia Commons

Every night at 9:53 pm like clockwork the Chief Yeoman Warder makes rounds at the Tower making sure everything is under lock and key, and secure. There is an exchange between the Yeoman and the Guard member, and a sentry. The Guard member says “Halt! Who comes there?” and the Yeoman responds with “The Keys”. The sentry asks “whose keys?” and the Yeoman responds “Queen Elizabeth’s Keys.”

This ceremony is the world’s longest-running military ceremony.

To become a Yeoman Warder, one has to have served for at least 22 years in the Armed Forces.

10. The Tower of London is self-sufficient

Tower of London by ward- by Rosakoalaglitzereinhorn- Wikimedia Commons

The Tower of London is currently a self-sufficient village of sorts. You would be able to get all amenities on the grounds. The Tower is complete with a doctor on the grounds, a church, a village green, and a pub.

The Tower of London radiates rich history albeit a little on the darker side with all the executions. It has also housed many royalties from different regions, whether prisoners or visitors.

There is a lot you could gather from a visit to the Tower of London, or just marvel at the crown jewel collection, have a conversation with a Yeoman Warder in their expensive gold-threaded uniform or with the keeper of the ravens!