Almost a thousand years old, this iconic building is the heart of the Tower
Britain's most famous castle
Instantly recognisable, the White Tower is the most famous castle keep in the world. It was built to awe, subdue and terrify Londoners, and to deter foreign invaders. It is an iconic symbol of London and Britain.
Along with the rest of the Tower fortress, the White Tower is part of a World Heritage Site. Inside is a unique Romanesque chapel, the beautiful 11th-century Chapel of St John the Evangelist.
Learn more about St John's ChapelWhen
Open
Ticketing information
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Buy Tower of London ticketsHome of the Royal Armouries
The White Tower showcases the historic and world-class Royal Armouries collections, including the 350-year-old exhibition, Line of Kings, as well as other treasures.
There are many unique and extraordinary arms and and armours on display, including the magnificent royal armours of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II.
Learn more about the Line of Kings
Image: The Line of Kings in the White Tower. © Historic Royal Palaces
Image: The imposing exterior of the White Tower. © Historic Royal Palaces
Image: The Normal Fireplace in the White Tower. © Historic Royal Palaces
Torture at the Tower
On the top floor of the White Tower you will find an original executioner's block of the 18th century, with an axe that possibly dates back to Tudor times. They were once incorrectly labelled as the implements used to behead Anne Boleyn. However, she was actually executed by sword.
It is now believed that the block and axe were used at the last public beheading on Tower Hill in 1747.
The basement of the White Tower is traditionally thought to be the site of the torture and interrogation of prisoners such as Guy Fawkes and the Jesuit Priest John Gerard.
Armoury in Action
Shoot arrows, assemble firearms and brandish a sword in Armoury in Action - an exciting, hands-on experience in the White Tower.
Learn more about Armoury in Action
Image: The Armoury in Action experience at the Tower of London. © Historic Royal Palaces
EXPLORE WHAT'S ON
- Things to see
Battlements
Walk the defensive inner battlements and huge towers that have guarded the Tower of London for centuries.
- Open
- Tower of London
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- Things to see
Bloody Tower
Explore the stories of the Princes in the Tower and Sir Walter Raleigh in the infamous Bloody Tower.
- Open
- Tower of London
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- Tours and talks
Audio Guide Tour
Explore deeper with the Tower of London audio guide tour. Discover extra information about the Tower's history, plan your day and find out more about our cafés and shops.
- Available
- Tower of London
- Separate ticket
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot
Who was the real Guy Fawkes, the man behind the mask?
Tower of London Prison
It is known as an infamous prison, but it wasn't built to be one
Tower of London remembers
The First World War centenary commemorations
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