History and mystery at the Tower of London

This year, I had the chance to visit one of London’s unique landmarks; the Tower of London. This fortress has been standing for over 1,000 years and has played many roles in the history of England. From a royal palace and prison to a treasury for the Crown Jewels. The Tower is a treasure trove of history that offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of royal pomp, or just in search of a memorable day out in London.

William the Conqueror founded the Tower of London after the Battle of Hastings in the late 11th century. The first part of the Tower called the White Tower, still stands today at the heart of the complex. Over the centuries,  monarchs expanded the Tower, adding new towers, walls, and structures, turning it into a mighty fortress. Its primary purpose was to protect the city of London and serve as a royal residence, but it also became known for its darker use as a prison.

Throughout its lifetime, many notable figures were imprisoned here, including Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, who was also executed at the Tower. The Tower also became the site of numerous other royal executions as well. It is said that you can still feel the bloody past when walking through some of the rooms. The mystery of the Princes in the Tower, two young boys who disappeared in the 15th century, still looms large.  Adding an element of intrigue to the site.

In addition to its use as a prison, the Tower was also home to the Royal Mint. It has housed the Crown Jewels since the 14th century. Today, the Crown Jewels, including the St. Edward's Crown, the Imperial State Crown, and other priceless regalia, are on display for visitors to look at.

As I arrived at the Tower, I couldn’t help but be struck by how impressive it looked against the backdrop of the modern city skyline. The White Tower was especially striking, its thick stone walls and fortified battlements served as a reminder of the Tower's medieval origins. The site is surrounded by an outer wall and a dry moat as well. These once acted as an extra layer of protection. The whole place oozes strength and character.

My first stop was the Crown Jewels Exhibition, and I was completely captivated by it. The jewels displayed behind glass cases, sparkling under the lights. It was hard not to feel a sense of awe standing in front of them. The St. Edward’s Crown, used in the coronation of British monarchs, was especially spectacular. I spent quite a bit of time just staring at it. The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, with its enormous diamond,  the Imperial State Crown, worn by the monarch at the State Opening of Parliament, were all equally stunning. It’s humbling to think that these objects have been part of the British monarchy for centuries and are still used in the royal ceremonies today.

After the bedazzlement of the jewels, I joined a guided tour led by one of the Yeoman Warders, commonly known as the Beefeaters. These guards have been looking after the Tower for centuries, and they still play a key role today. They offer informative and entertaining tours of the site. Our Beefeater guide was full of fascinating stories, including tales of famous prisoners, escapes, and the royal executions that took place here. I was particularly intrigued by the story of Lady Jane Grey, who was executed here just after nine days on the throne. The mysterious disappearance of the two young princes, Edward V and Richard. Both of them were imprisoned in the Tower in the 1480s and never seen again. They still make me shiver with excitement and terror when I think back on it.

One of the most memorable parts of the tour was the Bloody Tower. It is the place where the Princes were held in the Tower. The walls are covered with inscriptions left by prisoners. Some of them dating back to centuries! The carvings, along with the dark, atmospheric corridors, gave me a real sense of the Tower’s somber past.

One of the most famous aspects of the Tower is its resident ravens. According to legend, if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall. To prevent this from happening, the Ravenmaster ensures that there are always at least six ravens on site. The birds are cared for by the Ravenmaster and can often be seen wandering the Tower grounds. It’s said that the ravens are as much a symbol of the Tower as the Beefeaters themselves. I was lucky enough to see them up close. They had a sense of majesty and mystery as they overlooked the city perching on the walls.

Speaking of the Beefeaters, I learned that these Yeoman Warders aren’t just ceremonial figures. They are also the custodians of the Tower’s history. They have served as royal guards. Nowadays they act as both protectors of the Crown Jewels and guides for visitors. To become a Beefeater, you must have served in the British Armed Forces for at least 22 years, and they all have fascinating personal stories to share believe me. It was clear that they take great pride in their role, and it really added a great personal touch to the tour.

After my tour, I made my way to the Medieval Palace section of the Tower. This area showcases what royal life might have been like in the establishment during medieval times. The rooms were decorated with tapestries and furniture that would have been used by the royal family. It was easy to imagine them living here, surrounded by luxury. Even as the Tower’s darker purpose was unfolding just beyond their chambers.

I also wandered around the Outer Wall, admiring the views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames. The contrast between the ancient walls and the modern city surrounding it is captivating. Really made me think about how history and the present can coexist in London.
Visiting the Tower of London was an experience I am going to remember for a long time! Whether you’re standing in awe before the Crown Jewels, walking in the footsteps of prisoners from centuries ago, or simply enjoying the views of the Tower Bridge, there’s so much to take in. The Tower isn’t just a historic monument; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power, intrigue, and mystery of British history. If you’re in London, this is a must-see destination that offers a glimpse into the past in the heart of the city!