Tower of London Crown Jewels and English Royal History Tour

Highlights

• Guaranteed Timed Access Tickets to Tower of London
• Jewels House- Imperial State Crown, Koh-I-Noor Crown, Sovereign’s Sceptre
• White Tower, Tower Armory, Church of St Peter ad Vincula, St Johns Chapel
• Visit the Raven House, Battlements and Lower Wakefield Tower
• See and take a photo of the Famous Beefeaters

Description

Throughout its history, the Tower of London has been a place of royal refuge, opulence, and tragedy. Its walls have witnessed the rise and fall of kings and queens, serving as a backdrop to some of the most significant events in English history, making it the perfect location for an unforgettable London tour.

Explore and discover the magnificent at the world famous Tower of London – a former 11th century fortification, prison and execution site. This fully guided visit to one of London’s most iconic landmarks offers the best opportunity to view 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones displayed in a royal setting that is designed to impress. This comprehensive tour of the Tower of London is led by a first-class Blue Badge London guide who will begin outside the tower and introduce guests to the fortress structure, built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s.

Upon entering, the guide will discuss the architectural developments of the Tower from its beginning up to the present day and how it evolved into one of the most famous royal residences in the world. As you explore the Tower of London, the expert local guide will delve into the lives of the kings and queens who resided within these historic walls, beginning with William the Conqueror, who established the White Tower in 1078 as a symbol of Norman power. Moving forward, we'll discover how Henry III transformed the fortress into a lavish royal residence, enhancing it with grand halls and chapels. Edward I further fortified the Tower, using it as a strategic base for his military campaigns. Richard II's tumultuous reign saw him imprisoned here after being deposed by Henry IV. During the Wars of the Roses, Henry VI was held captive multiple times, meeting a tragic end in the Wakefield Tower. Edward IV reinforced the Tower, ensuring his control over London. We’ll uncover the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, Edward V and his brother Richard, who disappeared while under the guardianship of their uncle, Richard III. Henry VIII’s era marked the Tower’s role as both a royal residence and a grim prison, where his second wife, Anne Boleyn, faced execution. Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days' Queen, was also imprisoned and executed here. Elizabeth I, before becoming one of England’s greatest monarchs, was held in the Tower by her half-sister Mary I. Lastly, we’ll touch on James I, who utilised the Tower mainly for the storage of arms and ammunition, maintaining its significance as a symbol of royal authority. Each of these monarchs' stories adds a layer of intrigue and history to your visit to the Tower of London.
While in the Tower tour guests can also witness the Yeoman Warders, also known as the Beefeaters, go about their royal duties as the ceremonial guardians of the Tower as well as visit the legendary ravens that have been at the Tower for over 300 years.