Tower of London

Work began on the infamous Tower of London in 1078 on the orders of William the Conqueror, 12 years after his Norman invasion of England. The tower, which is situated on the north bank of the River Thames and once dominated the city of London, is also known as the White Tower, after the Central Keep which is made of white Caen limestone. It remained a royal residence until the 16th century and was also a notorious prison where key historical figures, such as Catherine Howard, Sir Walter Raleigh, the two Royal Princes (Edward V and Richard Duke of York) and King Henry VI, lost their lives. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels and the Royal Armouries, and is also an important museum. The site is guarded by Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters, so-called because they used to have to taste the king’s food to see if it had been poisoned) and is apparently protected by ravens; according to legend if the ravens ever leave the tower a great disaster will take place in England.
Air: London Heathrow Airport. Rail: Train: Fenchurch Street or London Bridge stations. Underground: Tower Hill. Docklands Light Railway: Tower Gateway. Road: Bus: Public services.