Overlooking the River Thames, the Tower of London protected the city for nearly 1,000 years. Today it’s largely a museum, and a fascinating look into the past.
What is the Tower of London now used for?
The Tower of London is still home to the Yeomen Warders and their families, the Resident Governor, and a garrison of soldiers. There is a doctor and a chaplain. And there is even a pub!
What is the Tower of London now?
Today, the Tower of London is one of the most famous castles in the world and is now a World Heritage Site attracting more than 2 million visitors a year. The main threat to the site today is not rebels, foreign armies or falling bombs (bomb damage happened during World War II) but rather the exhaust of cars.
Can you still visit the Tower of London?
Tuesday – Saturday: 09.00-16.30. Last admission: 15.30. 09.00-16.30. Last admission: 15.30.
Can you go inside Tower of London free?
Tower of London only ticket prices (excluding donation): Members: Free. Adult: £29.90. Child: £14.90.
Are the Crown Jewels kept in the White Tower?
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 Queen for important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament.
Who lives in the Tower of London now?
Who lives in the Tower of London? The Tower is home to 37 Yeoman Warders, a body of men and women drawn from the British military who each must have recorded at least 22 years of active service. Nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’, they have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times.
Which queen died in the Tower of London?
On 19 May 1536, Anne was beheaded on Tower Green. She protested her innocence until the last, but her final reported words were uncontroversial, “I am come hither to die, for according to the law and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it …
Does the queen ever live in the Tower of London?
Queen Elizabeth never held court there, but did stay at the Tower the night before her coronation, as was customary.
Is it worth going inside the Tower of London?
If you’re visiting London, we think that a visit to the Tower of London should definitely be high on your list of things to do in the city. This is home to one of the oldest intact buildings in London, and has seen a huge amount of history. We’ve visited multiple times, and always have a great day out here.
Is the Tower of London closed in January 2022?
Tower of London Opening Times
The Tower of London is open daily except on the 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January. Summer Opening – 1 March – 31 October: Tuesday-Saturday: 09:00-17:30.
Why can’t the ravens leave the Tower of London?
The legend of the Tower ravens
Charles II is thought to have been the first to insist that the ravens of the Tower be protected after he was warned that the crown and the Tower itself would fall if they left.
How long does it take to walk around the Tower of London?
Plan on setting aside at least 45-60 minutes for the entire experience. Many visitors recommend setting aside at least 3 hours to see the entirety of the Tower of London.
What’s hiding under the Tower of London?
£20,000 in gold coins are hidden away in the tower
According to a very old legend, there is buried treasure hidden at the Tower of London. Under Cromwell, it’s said that former Lieutenant of the Tower Sir John Barkstead hid 20,000 gold coins somewhere on the grounds.
Is there a dress code for Tower of London?
Clothing and footwear
Visits to the Tower will include walking on uneven, cobbled ground. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Who will inherit Queen Elizabeth jewelry?
The “lion’s share” of Queen’s extensive jewelry collection, according to The Daily Express, will be given to Kate, the new Princess of Wales, but, according to the outlet, Camilla will get first dibs. “The late monarch owned an extraordinary collection of jewelry worth billions of pounds,” The Express reports.
What happens to the Queens jewels when she dies?
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death at the age of 96, the monarch’s priceless jewels will likely be given to members of the royal family, including Queen Consort Camilla and Kate Middleton.
Why can’t you take pictures of the Crown Jewels?
Then there’s the question of security. The Tower of London, for example, prohibits tourists from photographing the Crown Jewels. Allowing cameras near the priceless jewels could attract thieves or terrorists looking to locate and capture visuals of any weaknesses in the alarm system.
Do Beefeaters pay rent?
In other words, Beefeaters have to pay around £3,000 in rent for the year. To put that into perspective, the average rental value for new tenancies in the capital is £1,832 a month, according to HomeLet.
How much do Beefeaters get paid?
According to a report in The Mirror (opens in new tab), beefeaters earn an annual salary of around £24,996, but they can expect to earn around £30,000 if they are given allowances. In general, the job entails working 37 hours per week for 14 days per three weeks, which include weekends and nights.
Where do Beefeaters live when they retire?
Most also have a home outside the grounds in order to have a break from their work environment. The Yeoman Warders Club is a pub exclusively for the Warders and for their invited guests. They must own a home outside the fortress to occupy when they retire. Some of the accommodation dates back to the 13th century.