Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most famous fortresses in the world, and is London's leading historic tourist attraction. The Tower has been a palace, a prison, a treasury and an arsenal.
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1078. Over 1,000 years of British history have been played out within its walls. It was here that Anne Boleyn, 2nd wife of Henry VIII was executed, Guy Fawkes was interrogated, Richard II and Elizabeth I imprisoned and the Princes in the Tower disappeared without trace.
Today, as a visitor attraction, the Tower of London houses the breathtaking and priceless Crown Jewels, a fine armour collection from the Royal Armouries and ancient buildings such as the Bloody Tower with over 90 inscriptions on the walls by those imprisoned.
An ancient legend states that as long as the ravens remain at the Tower of London, then Britain is safe from invasion.
Legend also says that should the ravens ever leave the Tower then the White Tower will crumble and the Monarch will fall.
In 2006 the ravens were moved indoors and have remained there ever since. The ravens are fed at the British Government's expense.
Allow 2-3 hours - to help inform you and make your way around, free tours are available from the Yeomen Warders, more commonly known as Beefeaters. You can then make your way to Tower Bridge, which is a few minutes walk away.
Photography is allowed in most of the tower except inside the Jewel House, White Tower,or Chapel Royal.
Entry for 2011 (Adult £19.80) - Nearest Tube: Tower Hill