Why see it?
For many, it is the Tower of London
One of the most famous castle keeps in the world, it was built, to awe, subdue and terrify Londoners and to deter foreign invaders. It’s now an iconic symbol of London and Britain and one of the world’s premier tourist attractions.
It’s part of a World Heritage Site
Along with the rest of the Tower complex, the White Tower is one of the most important historic buildings in the world. Find out more about the White Tower conservation project >
It’s surprising
The White Tower’s fearsome exterior conceals some hidden gems, such as Henry VIII’s armour and the beautiful 11th-century Chapel of St John the Evangelist.
A literary setting
Shakespeare's Tower of London
William Shakespeare includes the Tower in many of his plays. In Act III, scene I of Richard III, one of the doomed ‘little princes’ asks his wicked uncle who built the castle which was to become his prison…
Prince Edward: Say, uncle Gloucester, if our brother come,
Where shall we sojourn till our coronation?
Gloucester: Where it seems best unto you royal self.
If I may counsel you, some day or two
Your highness shall repose you at the Tower:
Then where you please, and shall be thought most fit
For your best health and recreation.
Prince Edward: I do not like the Tower, of any place:-
Did Julius Caesar build that place, my lord?
Gloucester: He did, my gracious lord, begin that place;
Which, since, succeeding ages have re-edified.
Prince Edward: Is it upon record? or else reported
Successively from age to age, he built it?
Buckingham: Upon record, my gracious lord.
