Tower of London

history · castles · medieval · London

Built by William the Conqueror. The Tower of London was founded in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest, and the famous White Tower was constructed in 1078 to show the Normans' power over England.

Home to royalty. Early in its history, the Tower served as a grand palace where English kings and queens actually lived, making it a royal residence as well as a fortress.

Rings of protection. The Tower is not just one building but a complex of several structures protected by two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat to keep enemies out.

Centuries of expansion. Kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I added to and improved the Tower during the 12th and 13th centuries, making it bigger and stronger over time.