History of the Tower of London

Everything you need to know about the Tower of London from royal executions to ticket prices

Transcript

00:00 I'm here at the Tower of London, one of the most famous monuments in the world and

00:05 one of England's most iconic structures. William the Conqueror built the White Tower

00:11 in 1066 as a demonstration of Norman power, sitting it strategically on the River Thames

00:17 to act as both a fortress and a gateway to the capital. It is thought to be the most

00:23 complete example of an 11th century fortress palace remaining in Europe and has been the

00:30 setting for key historical events in European history including the execution of three English

00:36 queens Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Jane Grey. The Tower of London is also known as

00:43 the home of the Crown Jewels. Since the 17th century they have been locked away in the

00:47 Tower alongside other crowns, jewellery and robes as well. Despite its fortress like structure,

00:54 the Tower of London was actually damaged by air raid bombs during the 1940 Blitz but the

01:00 damages were quickly repaired and reopened to the public after the war. Now a World Heritage

01:06 Site it has been a popular tourist destination for 200 years. Three cages from the Royal

01:12 Menagerie were used in 1838 to create a ticket office outside the Tower to encourage visitors.

01:20 These days though the Tower of London is one of the capitals biggest tourist attractions.

01:25 It also played a key role in the celebration of the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee.

01:32 Those wanting to get a deeper dive can visit the Tower of London and admission tickets

01:36 include entry to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, Chapel of St Peter Battlements, Medieval

01:43 Palace, Torture at the Tower exhibition and the Royal Mint exhibition as well. Tickets

01:50 are free for members but are £33 for adults with cheaper options available for under 15s,

01:56 students and over 65s as well. For other videos about the city's landmarks and news from

02:02 across the capital head to Londonworld.com.

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