Tower of London

Highlight

The White Tower

The building everyone means when they say “the tower”. Started in the 1070s by William the Conqueror, the White Tower is the oldest stone keep in England and the heart of the fortress.

The White Tower keep inside the Tower of London

What’s inside

Four floors of the Royal Armouries’ collection: Henry VIII’s magnificent armour (including the famous suit he had made after gaining weight), the Line of Kings display of royal armour on horseback, and a truly enormous collection of swords, pikes and firearms.

The Chapel of St John

Tucked into the second floor is one of the finest surviving pieces of early Norman architecture in England: the Chapel of St John the Evangelist, almost unchanged since the 1080s. Cool, still and beautiful.

Tips for your visit

  • There is no lift in the White Tower — the stairs are original medieval spirals. Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Look for the prisoners’ graffiti carved into the walls of the upper floors.
  • The views from the top windows across the moat and Tower Bridge are worth the climb.