TOWER OF LONDON

Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066. It is the
most important medieval complex in London. Immense fortress, royal residence, and state prison, where the Crown Jewels are housed. What was once a castle and palace has become a monument reserved for cruelty. Its cells have hosted illustrious figures such as Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, the Nazi Rudolf Hess, and the group Wham!. For 900 years it was synonymous with terror; all who offended the monarch were locked behind its walls. The most fortunate lived in relative comfort, but the majority resided in such horrific conditions that they died or were cruelly tortured before being executed at Tower Hill. There are 42 tower guards (beefeaters). Visitors must check that the ravens continue to roam the grounds (they are the 8 most famous residents of the tower), according to legend, the day they leave the tower, London will fall to its enemies).
-Jewel House.- Where the Crown Jewels are housed (the largest diamond in the world is here).
-Martin Tower.- exhibition of Crowns and diamonds (how the crown jewels are made, includes 5 crowns and over 12,000 diamonds)
-White Tower.- When completed in 1097, it was the tallest building in London, at 30 m. It is the most important construction: palace and fortress. It was designed as a watchtower and defense; its walls are 4 m thick. Instruments of torture used in the Tower are displayed; there are also armors and weapons from different eras. On the second floor is “St. John's Chapel,” a Norman chapel from the year 1087. In the basement, there are cells for prisoners.
-Beauchamp Tower.- Many noble persons were imprisoned here, accompanied by their servants.
-Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula.- Many of those executed at the tower are buried here (about 2000 people).
-Tower Green.- It was where distinguished prisoners were executed, away from the noisy crowd of Tower Hill. Only 7 people died here (including 3 of the 6 wives of Henry VIII), while hundreds suffered public executions.
- Bloody Tower.- Young princes and heirs of Edward IV were murdered in the tower by order of their uncle Richard III. (1483)
-Medieval Palace.- It was the part used by the kings of England when residing at the Tower (Queen's House: the private residence of the Tower's governor (closed to the public) and Wakefield Tower: king's private rooms.)
Price: £13.5 (20 euros). The visit lasts 2-3 hours.
Metro: Tower Hill. Schedule: From March to October, 9 – 17 h. (Mon-Sat) and 10 – 17 h. (Sun)

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