Welcome to our The Tower of London history section. You can skip to subsequent pages using the links below or simply continue reading to start at the beginning.
A typical example of the feudal fortresses so numerous in England in the time of the Normans, the Tower, formerly the residence of our monarchs, is one of the oldest and most interesting buildings in London.
It consists of a central donjon or keep 92 ft. high, with walls 16 ft. thick, known as the White Tower, dating from the time of William the Conqueror (although tradition ascribes it to Julius Caesar, who it is probable may have built fortifications on its site), surrounded by barracks, armouries, etc., of modern date, and enclosed within a double line of fortifications, the whole being encircled by a moat called the Tower Ditch, which is now dry, but can still be flooded by the garrison.
The castellated walls date from various periods, having been added from time to time by different monarchs of England.