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Line of Kings

Marvel at the historic armour of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II.

Marvel at the historic armour of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II.

Updated 25 March. In line with Public Health England guidance, we have taken the decision to close all six of our palaces and gardens until 31st May. We will be reviewing this and will keep you updated. Please read our statement for further information. Read our statement

When

Open daily

Ticketing information

Included in palace admission (members go free)

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Royal armour and surprising tales

The magnificent tournament armour of Henry VIII and the gilded armours of Charles I and James II take pride of place in the Line of Kings in the White Tower.

The fabulous silvered and engraved armour of Henry VIII was made for the young, slender King in c1510-15. This is the earliest of the six surviving armours of Henry VIII, made for him when he cut a fine figure on horseback!

There are many other rare and superbly-crafted pieces made for noblemen as well as common soldiers. The Royal Armouries have always featured extraordinary curiosities - discover the armours of the 'Giant', the 'Dwarf' and the gift from the 'Great Mogul'.

These intriguing objects may not be quite what they seem...

In partnership with the Royal Armouries.

'The horses richly caparisoned, seemed ready to rush into battle.'

César de Saussure, 1725

Three suits of armour in cases in the Line of Kings Exhibition in the White Tower of the Tower of London. The two on the left were made for King Henry VIII (as a young boy and as an older man) and the one on the right was made for King Charles I.

History of the Line of Kings

The Line of Kings was created in the 17th century and is one of the earliest museum exhibits. It was installed for King Charles II by the Royal Armouries to promote the restored monarchy.

Historic armours were displayed on life-like wooden figures, including those of Henry VIII, Charles I and later James II, in a parade of beautifully-carved horses.

Queens and less popular monarchs were left out as they didn't play a part in this royal message to early Tower visitors.

Over the centuries the Line of Kings has been re-arranged a number of times. Today, you can enjoy a display that combines this fascinating Tower story with amazing royal objects and their individual histories.

Centuries of visitors

When you visit the Line of Kings, you're following in the footsteps of 350 years of visitors from all over the world.

Read what visitors throughout history have thought of the exhibition, and leave your own impressions for future guests.

History of the exhibition Timeline of Line of Kings

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View of the White Tower exterior
Things to see

White Tower

Marvel at the imposing White Tower, a magnificent example of Norman architecture at the heart of the Tower of London.

Open daily

Tower of London

Included in palace admission (members go free)

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Exterior view of the White Tower and the lawn taken from the south by the Wakefield Tower
Families Things to see

Armoury in Action

Shoot arrows, assemble firearms and brandish a sword in this exciting, hands-on experience in the White Tower.

Open daily

Tower of London

Included in palace admission (members go free)

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A Tower of London warden speaks to a visitor in the White Tower
Tours and talks

White Tower Tours

Explore the beautiful Chapel of St John the Evangelist and hear tales of famous old residents at the Tower with an expert warden.

Cancelled until further notice

Tower of London

10:45, 12:45 and 14:15

Included in palace admission (members go free)

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Browse more history and stories

Henry VIII

Renaissance Prince or terrible Tudor? Who was the real Henry VIII?

The story of Kensington Palace

An elegant retreat for Britain's royal family

The story of Hampton Court Palace

Home of Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty

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Gift collection of Medieval inspired gifts from Historic Royal Palaces Shop

Shop medieval gifts

Explore one of the most exciting times in history with our high end range of arms and armour and medieval fancy dress.

From £6.99

Tankard, flask and goblet gift selection from Historic Royal Palaces Shop.

Shop goblets & tankards

Discover our decadent range of goblets and tankards inspired by our Historic Royal Palaces. The perfect gift for a medieval fan our goblets are made in a selection of leathers, glass and pewter.

From £17.99

Gift selection of products inspired by the Tower of London from Historic Royal Palaces shop

Shop Tower of London gifts

Shop our products inspired by the almost 1000 years of history at the Tower of London.

From £9.99