The Tower of London

Supplied by: Historic Royal Palaces

Overview

Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels have been stored and displayed at the Tower of London since 1661, continuing a long tradition of storing precious objects here.
This magnificent world-famous collection of 23,578 gemstones is part of the Royal Collection and boasts items that are still used in royal ceremonies today.
Now, discover more stories about the Crown Jewels than ever before in an exhibition exploring their history and significance.

UNDER GUARD AND STILL IN USE
You'll find the Crown Jewels under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. These gems are a unique working collection of royal regalia and are still regularly used by the monarch for important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament. Make sure to look out for the 'in use' signs.

A NEW ERA BEGINS
DISCOVER THE ORIGINS AND DAZZLING HISTORY OF THE CROWN JEWELS
As you approach the Treasury, the rooms where most of the Crown Jewels are kept, explore the origins of these spectacular objects including the destruction of the original jewels under Oliver Cromwell.
The display evokes the spectacle and pageantry of the Coronation procession, before detailing the specific uses of the regalia during the ceremony itself, from the Coronation Spoon to St Edward’s Crown.

The Bloody Tower & The White Tower
In the Bloody Tower, you’ll explore the most infamous prison at the Tower of London and learn about the story of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ and see where bones thought to belong to the princes were discovered in 1674 when a staircase leading to the White Tower was demolished.

The White Tower, which gives the entire grounds of the castle its name, was originally built by William the Conqueror almost 1,000 years ago and is the oldest medieval building at the Tower of London. Inside, you’ll see the world-class Royal Armouries collections, including the ‘Line of Kings’; an exhibition of the royal armours of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II. Discover the armour of the ‘Giant’ and marvel at the spectacular gilded armour and weapons on display.

Meet the Yeoman Warders
Yeoman Warders, also known as ‘Beefeaters’, will share key stories from 1,000 years of history. Be entertained by tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture and much more…
Learn about the Tower's iconic history as a fortress, palace and prison. Yeoman Warders will share details of the famous prisoners executed on Tower Green. Many are now buried nearby in the 16th-century Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula.

The Royal Mint
Until 1812, most of the coins in circulation in Britain were made at the Tower of London in a dedicated area that became known as Mint Street. Explore the story of the Mint between 1279 and 1812 at the fantastic interactive exhibition, where you’ll have the chance to learn about its long history, the monarchs who reigned over the Mint and how the coins produced there reflected the politics and power struggles of the times.

Royal Beasts
Explore the tales of the many exotic animals kept at the Tower, from lions, tigers, monkeys and elephants, to zebras, alligators, bears and kangaroos, in the Royal Beasts exhibition at the Tower of London.
Learn about the polar bear who fished in the Thames for his lunch, the ostrich who ate nails and many other surprising stories.
Experience the sights, sounds, and even smells of the animals through interactive displays and find out what happened when the royal beasts escaped...

Tower Ravens
It is said of the ravens in the Tower of London that if they ever leave, the Kingdom of Britain will fall. Meet the famous ravens and learn more about why they are known as the guardians of the Tower, at their lodgings on the South Lawn.



Usual Opening Hours

01 March - 30 March 2024
Mondays and Sundays: 10:00-17:30. Last admission: 15:30.
Tuesday to Saturday: 09:00-17:30. Last admission: 15:30.

31 March - 20 April
Daily: 09:00-17:30. Last admission: 15:30.

21 April
Mondays and Sundays: 10:00-17:30. Last admission: 15:30.
Tuesday to Saturday: 09:00-17:30. Last admission: 15:30.