TOWER OF LONDON, CENTRAL LONDON, ENGLAND

What is the Tower Of London?

As beautiful as it looks on the outside, who would think that such a place could have a history of imprisonment & executions?

The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and completed around 1097.

It is also known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, and is the oldest building used by the British government.

The massive complex as a whole includes several buildings, 2 concentric rings, defence walls and a moat (see ariel view below)

Ariel View

What was it used for?

The purpose of the tower was a fortress for the palace, as well as a prison for high status and royal prisoners.

It has also been known as a place for execution, torture, armoury, a treasury, a zoo, a public records office, an observatory and the Royal Mint.

The treasury in particular has been the home to the Crown Jewels of the UK since 1303, ever since they were stolen from West Minster Abbey.

The prison has held many prisoners over the years. The very first one being Ranulf Flambard in 1100 for his crime of extortion. He later escaped from the Tower by climbing down a rope, which had been smuggled into his cell in a wine casket.

One of the many winding staircases

There were also several torture chambers as well as live hanging executions for the lower class and high profile prisoners, which were held outside the complex for public viewing.

What about today?

From the many deaths that took place, the hauntings go on to this day. It is said to be the most notoriously haunted building in England.

The Tower Of London as of today is looked after by an independent charity, and has thousands of tourists visit each year. Even if it's just so they can try and do a bit of ghost spotting!