The Tower of London - Photographed by Paul Hillman

The Tower of London is Britain's most visited historical site. The Romans founded a civilian settlement in London around AD 50 but the tower as we know it today was built shortly after the Norman conquest in 1066.

When Duke William of Normandy defeated King Harold at the battle of Hastings he knew that he must secure the largest city in England.

William sent men ahead to London and soon began construction of a castle on the site of the old Roman ruins and shortly after- wards was crowned king of England in Westminster Abbey on Christmas day 1066.

The Tower has served many purposes over the centuries such as a fortress, royal lodgings, an arsenal, home of the Royal mint and also as the State prison.

The White Tower is 118 x 106 ft across and 90 ft tall and has been altered and added to during over 900 years of it’s history.

Text courtesy of Paul Hillman

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