Introduction
The Line of Kings is the Tower of London's longest running visitor attraction. From 10 July 2013 Historic Royal Palaces in partnership with Royal Armouries will be opening their new display of this magnificent collection of arms and armour, life-sized wooden horses and carved heads of kings.
After the Restoration of 1660 this exhibition, like the Crown Jewels, communicated to visitors the monarch's right to rule and the advantages of good kingship. The display has been rearranged, moved and dispersed over the centuries, so we are proud to bring the collection back together again and to show it off in all its glory in the White Tower.
Highlights of the exhibition include the wooden horses, most over 300 years old. Near the horses are the unique carved heads of the kings, including Henry VIII and Charles I. The magnificent armours of King Henry VIII have pride of place, alongside armours of Prince Henry, King Charles I and King James II. There are also arms and armours once used by nobles and pikemen, and astonishing ‘curiosities’ including a 17th century Japanese armour, a rare medieval saddle and two massive swords of state.
Visit our specially designed Line of Kings online area >
