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The Tower of London is a massive fortification located on the river Thames that was built in 1070 by William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England. It has been added onto many times over hundred of years by leaders like Henry II, Edward I, and Henry III. It was used to win over the hearts of the newly conquered English and to inimidate enemies. The White Tower took 20 years to complete and gave Norman leaders great control. It has been used to hold and execute prisoners - including British royals, mint English coins, manufacture armor, and house exotic animals (Historic Royal Palaces).

Image source - Tower of London Britannica Image Quest

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Originally part of the monarch's personal guard, the Yeoman Warders were introduced to the tower by Henry VIII. Nicknamed beefeaters, the 32 guards are required to have at least 22 years of millitary service and a good conduct medal, along with a hign ranking in the British millitary. They wear the state dress uniform in red, and navy blue everyday. They are also responsible for the famous Ceremony of the Keys where the chief warder is escorted to close and lock the gates with the king's keys at 10 o'clock sharp and open them again at sunrise (Historic Royal Palaces).

Image Source - Beefeaters Britannica Image quest

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Inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1988 (UNESCO). Today the Tower of London is a major tourist attraction and historical site. The tower is open to tours and still houses the crown jewels for visitors to see. The beefeaters still patrol the grounds and perform the Ceremony of the Keys morning and Night (Historic Royal Palaces). Image Source - Tower of London Britannica Image Quest

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Kept in the Jewel House with an armed guard, The Tower of London protects the English crown jewels; a collection of 23,000 gemstones including all coronation regalia and the 2nd largest diamond in the world (Historic Royal Palaces)

Image Source - The Imperial State Crown Royal Collection Trust

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Along with many civilians, nobles were also kept prisoner in the Tower of London. Two wives of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Catherine Howard were executed and buried on tower green, while Princess Elizabeth - future queen, was imprisoned by her sister Mary I and later released in 1554 (Historic Royal Palaces). Lady Jane Grey, Queen for nine days, was executed at the tower in 1554 by Mary I (Shawndra).

Image Credit - The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, Paul Delaroche - Britannica Image Quest

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There are 6 ravens always in residence at the tower, because Charles II had a superstition that the kingdom would fall if the ravens ever left. There have now been ravens at the tower for hundreds of years since (Historic Royal Palaces).

Image Credit - Ravens - Britannica Image Quest