Almost 1,000 years old and right at the heart of the Tower of London.
Britain's most famous castle
Instantly recognisable, the White Tower is the most famous castle keep in the world. It was built to awe, subdue and terrify Londoners, and to deter foreign invaders. It is an iconic symbol of London and Britain.
Along with the rest of the Tower fortress, the White Tower is part of a World Heritage Site. Inside is a unique Romanesque chapel, the beautiful 11th-century Chapel of St John the Evangelist.
Home of the Royal Armouries
The White Tower showcases the historic and world-class Royal Armouries collections, including the 350-year-old exhibition, Line of Kings, as well as other treasures.
There are many unique and extraordinary arms and and armours on display, including the magnificent royal armours of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II.
When
Open
Ticketing information
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Buy Tower of London ticketsWhite Tower tours
Enjoy a tour led by one of our expert warders. Find out about the exquisite Chapel Royal of St John and hear all about Henry VIII's famous armours.
White Tower toursTorture at the Tower
On the top floor of the White Tower you will find an original executioner's block of the 18th century, with an axe that possibly dates back to Tudor times. They were once incorrectly labelled as the implements used to behead Anne Boleyn. However, she was actually executed by sword.
It is now believed that the block and axe were used at the last public beheading on Tower Hill in 1747.
The basement of the White Tower is traditionally thought to be the site of the torture and interrogation of prisoners such as Guy Fawkes and the Jesuit Priest John Gerard.
EXPLORE WHAT'S ON
Battlements
Walk the defensive inner battlements and huge towers that have guarded the Tower of London for centuries.
- Open
- Tower of London
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- 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
- Tower of London
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- Things to see
Bloody Tower
Explore the stories of the Princes in the Tower and Sir Walter Raleigh in the infamous Bloody Tower.
- Open
- Tower of London
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot
Who was the real Guy Fawkes, the man behind the mask?
Tower of London Prison
It is known as an infamous prison, but it wasn't built to be one
Tower of London remembers
The First World War centenary commemorations
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